National Museum of Korea criticized for HYBE deal amid Bang Si-hyuk probe

The National Museum of Korea faces backlash after announcing a commercial collaboration with HYBE, the K-Pop label behind BTS, while its chairman Bang Si-hyuk is under criminal investigation for unfair trading. The museum's director Yoo Hong-jun posed with Bang in a social media post that was later deleted. Critics accused the institution of art-washing the reputation of a corporate tycoon. The deal, involving the National Museum Foundation of Korea, aimed to produce commercial products and promote Korean heritage. Separately, BTS member RM will curate an exhibition at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art in 2026.