New Director of National Museum of Korea Plans Major Art Exhibition

On July 24, just three days after his appointment, Yoo Hong-jun (유홍준), the new director of the National Museum of Korea, held a press conference to share his ambitious plans. He announced that he is organizing a blockbuster world tour exhibition showcasing Korean art, which he describes as the root of K-Culture. He referenced the influential 'Korean Art for 5,000 Years' exhibition that toured the United States, the UK, and France in the 1980s, stating it was pivotal in gaining recognition for Korean art in the West. With the current global popularity of Korean pop culture, including Netflix's animated series 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' he aims to create an exhibition that highlights Korea's cultural strength and heritage.

The original 'Korean Art for 5,000 Years' exhibition, held from 1979 to 1981, traveled to eight cities in the U.S., including San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., before moving to Western Europe from 1984 to 1985, showcasing over 300 artifacts, including national treasures. This exhibition was the first to introduce the essence of Korean culture to the world after the liberation.

During the press meeting, Yoo expressed his desire to recreate the scale of that exhibition, mentioning potential venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London, and the Guimet Museum in Paris. He noted that discussions with these institutions are still in the early stages, and if everything goes as planned, the final exhibition could take place in two to three years. He emphasized that successfully executing this project would fulfill his responsibilities as a director and for the museum.

Yoo also identified parking issues as a primary challenge, noting that the museum attracts around 4 million visitors annually, yet its facilities and staffing have remained unchanged for 20 years. He promised to address the long wait times for parking, which can reach up to an hour on weekends, and encouraged visitors to consider weekday or Wednesday evening visits.

Although he was considered a strong candidate for the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Yoo declined the position, stating that he believes the role of museum director aligns better with his abilities. He expressed his commitment to dedicating the remainder of his life to this position, emphasizing that he is the oldest director in the museum's history.