The National Museum of Korea (Director Yoo Hong Joon) sparked controversy after posting a photo of HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk, who is currently under investigation and subject to an exit ban, only to delete it a day later.
On October 1, the museum’s official SNS account uploaded a photo of Director Yoo smiling alongside Bang, highlighting an MOU that aimed to link Korean cultural heritage with popular music by developing “museums + goods” and promoting overseas expansion. However, the post quickly drew hundreds of critical comments, with netizens questioning the appropriateness of a national institution featuring someone accused of fraudulent trading. Critics argued, “A state-run cultural authority should not be used to whitewash the image of an indicted corporate leader.”
Bang Si Hyuk has been indicted by the Securities and Futures Commission under the Financial Services Commission for alleged fraudulent transactions in violation of the Capital Markets Act, leading to an official prosecution referral and a travel ban.
As the backlash intensified, the museum quietly deleted the post on October 2 without issuing any explanation or statement. Cultural commentator Choi Isak criticized the move on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Some people get convicted over a box of Choco Pies, while others under investigation for astronomical fraud still receive VIP treatment at one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural institutions. Truly, money and power define justice here.”
Sources: nate
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