Yoo Hong Joon, the director of the National Museum of Korea, has issued an official apology after the museum posted and deleted a photo featuring HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk.
Earlier, the National Museum of Korea posted a photo featuring the director and HYBE chairman Bang on its official social media following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the entertainment company.
During the National Assembly's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee audit on October 22, Rep. Jin Jong Oh of the People Power Party commented, "The National Museum of Korea has seen a surge in visitors thanks to the 'K-Culture effect.' However, posting a photo with Chairman Bang Si Hyuk after signing the MOU with HYBE and then deleting it a day later was inappropriate."
Rep. Jin continued, "Chairman Bang is currently under investigation for alleged violations of the Capital Market Act, after reportedly misleading investors in 2019 by claiming that HYBE had no plans to go public, leading some to sell their shares at low prices. He was even banned from leaving the country in August. Taking a photo with such a figure was careless."
In response, Director Yoo explained, "I pursued the agreement because I saw it as an opportunity to promote the National Museum of Korea to the world through BTS. After the MOU signing, I took a photo with Chairman Bang as a personal gesture. He's also my junior from Seoul National University."
He added, "I sincerely apologize for this matter. I will ensure that such minor issues do not bring harm to the institution in the future."
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