The National Museum of Korea faced intense criticism and removed a photo from its social media featuring HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, taken during a partnership announcement. The controversy stems from Bang’s current legal troubles, including a travel ban related to an ongoing financial fraud investigation, which led many to question the museum’s decision to feature him.
The museum deleted the photo just one day after posting it, responding to public anger over a state-run institution appearing to endorse a businessman under investigation for alleged financial crimes. The incident has sparked wider discussions about corporate influence and public accountability.
What Caused the Backlash
On October 1, the National Museum of Korea posted a photo on its official social media account showing its director, Yoo Hong-jun, smiling alongside Bang Si-hyuk. The post announced a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the museum, the National Museum Foundation of Korea, and HYBE.
The partnership was intended to combine Korean cultural heritage with popular music, develop museum-related goods, and promote overseas expansion of K-culture. However, the public focus quickly shifted from the cultural collaboration to Bang’s legal status.
Online commenters and cultural critics heavily criticized the museum, with many calling it “unawareness” and accusing the government agency of “promoting a criminal suspect.” The core of the criticism was that a national museum was helping to restore the image of a controversial figure.
Bang Si-Hyuk’s Current Legal Situation
Bang Si-hyuk is currently under investigation by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s financial crime investigation unit for alleged violations of the Capital Markets Act. The allegations concern HYBE’s initial public offering in 2020.
He is accused of misleading investors in 2019 by denying plans for an IPO, which allegedly prompted them to sell their shares to a private equity fund established by HYBE executives. This fund later sold its stake after the IPO, with Bang reportedly earning approximately 190 billion won (about $135 million) from the arrangement.
As part of this investigation, a travel ban was placed on Bang, barring him from leaving South Korea. Police have confirmed the ban and have conducted raids on the Korea Exchange headquarters and HYBE’s office in Seoul to gather evidence.
The Public and Critical Reaction
The backlash was swift and severe. On social media and online communities, hundreds of comments expressed disapproval. One netizen questioned, “Why would a person who is under investigation after being banned from leaving the country?” Another stated, “A government agency is promoting a criminal suspect.”
Cultural critic Choi Isak fiercely criticized the post, bringing more attention to the issue. She wrote on social media, “Some people get convicted over a Choco Pie, while others, despite being banned from leaving the country for allegedly defrauding astronomical sums, are treated as honored guests in prestigious places that represent the ‘highest power of national culture’โฆ Truly, a country where money and power are justice.”
The criticism intensified calls for an investigation into HYBE’s connections to the South Korean government, with some netizens calling the situation “super suspicious.”
The Museum’s Response and Partnership Details
Facing growing controversy, the National Museum of Korea deleted the photo featuring Bang Si-hyuk on October 2. The museum did not provide any official statement or explanation for its removal.
Despite the controversy, the business agreement itself appears to remain in effect. The MOU signing ceremony was attended by Bang Si-hyuk, National Museum of Korea Director Yoo Hong-jun, and National Museum Foundation of Korea President Choung Yong-suk.
The collaboration aims to strengthen the brand value of Korean cultural products and expand their global market presence. The partners plan to work on products that combine the MU:DS brand designs with HYBE artists’ intellectual property. HYBE will also use its global distribution network to support the overseas expansion of the museum’s cultural products.
This is not the first collaboration between HYBE and the museum’s MU:DS brand. Last year, they launched the “Dalmajung” product line, which fused BTS’s brand image with motifs from national treasures. BTS also previously filmed a speech and performance at the museum for a YouTube virtual graduation event in 2020.
At the signing ceremony, Bang Si-hyuk stated, “It is a great honor to join hands with the National Museum of Korea, which symbolizes the history and identity of K-culture. For HYBE, which works to elevate K-culture globally through music, artists and content, this partnership carries deep meaning.”
This incident marks the second time Bang has faced public repercussions due to his indictment; he previously had to cancel a keynote speech at the Federation of Korean Industries’ Jeju Summer Forum in July after the charges were announced. The police investigation into the alleged fraud continues.
Credits: : hankyung
