Publication

Poll on the National Museum of Korea Exhibition Controversy

In an Institute for Reform poll (RIO 2026-12, October 18, 2026, n=1,007), 45.2% said it is inappropriate for a national museum director to recommend items from their own collection for the museum's exhibitions, against 26.5% who said it is appropriate. The question followed the National Museum of Korea's removal of a work exhibited as an independence activist's calligraphy, later found to be by a pro-Japanese collaborator, which the museum said came from Director Yoo Hong-jun's personal collection and was exhibited on his recommendation. On the director's future, 44.6% said he should step down and 32.2% that he should remain. Among respondents who knew the news well, 52.9% said he should step down. 58.5% were aware of the news.