National Museum Of Korea Comes Under Massive Fire Over Post Featuring Bang Si Hyuk
Amid his ongoing legal troubles with the Korean financial authorities, HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk has gotten embroiled in yet another controversy.
On October 1, KST, the National Museum of Korea posted a photo of its director, Yoo Hong Joon, smiling alongside Bang on its official social media account. The picture’s main highlight was an MOU between the museum and HYBE that aimed to link Korean cultural heritage with popular music by developing “museums + goods,” as well as promoting overseas expansion.
However, the post quickly drew heavy criticism from netizens who questioned if it was appropriate for a national institute to feature an individual accused of financial fraud on its social media. Many felt that a state-run organization was participating in the whitewashing of a controversial corporate figure.
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. His case has been referred to the prosecution, and he has been placed under a travel ban.
With the backlash intensifying, the museum promptly deleted the photo on October 2, but didn’t issue any statement or explanation. Cultural critic Choi Isak fiercely criticized the post, bringing more attention to the problematic
누구는 초코파이 때문에 유죄 판결을 받는데, 누구는 천문학적인 금액 사기 혐의로 출국금지까지 당하고도 국가의 가장 ’높은 문화의 힘‘을 보여주는 영애로운 곳에서 귀빈 대접받으며 차관급 기관장과 어깨를 나란히 하고 사진을 찍네. 과연 돈과 권력이 정의인 나라답다. pic.twitter.com/Ux6jbdjZAl
— 최이삭 (@isakchoi312) October 2, 2025
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,’ posing for photos shoulder to shoulder with vice-minister-level officials. Truly, a country where money and power are justice.
— Choi Isak
Meanwhile, previously Bang Si Hyuk had to cancel his keynote speech at the Federation of Korean Industries’ Jeju Summer Forum in July after his indictment was announced.
