ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Lee Ufan Declares Suspected Forgeries Authentic Amid Police Investigation

artist · 2026-04-20

Lee Ufan has authenticated several paintings previously thought to be forgeries by a Korean gallerist, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. The gallerist, identified only by the surname Hyeong, had confessed to creating counterfeit works. After a four-hour examination, Ufan recognized the pieces as his own. Seoul police are continuing their investigation despite concerns about potential coercion. This development follows a feature on Lee Ufan in ArtReview Asia's Summer 2015 issue.

Key facts

  • Lee Ufan confirmed paintings are authentic
  • A gallerist with surname Hyeong admitted to forging works
  • Ufan inspected works for four hours
  • Seoul police are investigating
  • Concerns exist over police coercion
  • Reported by Korea JoongAng Daily
  • ArtReview Asia featured Lee Ufan in Summer 2015
  • Event occurred in July 2016

Entities

Artists

  • Lee Ufan

Institutions

  • Korea JoongAng Daily
  • ArtReview Asia
  • Seoul police

Locations

  • Seoul
  • South Korea

Sources