National Museum of Korea deletes photo of Bang Si Hyuk amid calls to investigate 'HYBE's connections to the government'

Amid ongoing criticism as well as calls for an investigation into HYBE's potential "connections to the South Korean government", the National Museum of Korea has taken down its recent photo of director Yoo Hong Jun with HYBE Labels chairman Bang Si Hyuk. 

Previously on October 1 KST, the National Museum of Korea announced a new partnership with HYBE Labels, aimed at the global promotion of Korean cultural heritage and popular music. Along with the announcement, the museum revealed a photo of Yoo Hong Jun and Bang Si Hyuk, sparking controversy. 

Many netizens criticized the National Museum for its unawareness of recent ongoing issues and developments within the K-Pop industry, as they claimed, "A government agency is promoting a criminal suspect" and "A government institution is being used to restore the reputation and image of a controversial entertainment executive."

The criticism stems from the fact that Bang Si Hyuk is currently under investigation for fraudulent trading. As of October 1 KST, the financial crimes investigation unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police has issued a travel ban on the HYBE chairman, barring him from leaving the country until the investigation's conclusion and resolution. 

Following the criticism, the National Museum took down the photo without any explanation or statement. Despite the National Museum's response, netizens passionately demanded,

"Are they brainless right now because that is a criminal suspect."

"A partnership with someone who is coming from a police interrogation for fraud?"

"It's super suspicious how much HYBE is indirectly involved in so many of the government's activities behind the scenes. This needs to be investigated."

"Someone search this dude for below the radar connections with the government."

"At this rate, the government is going to be the institution that pardons Bang Si Hyuk for his fraud." 

"These rats drunk on power." 

"How shameless of him try and cleanse his image like this."