Seoul:The Ministry of Culture announced plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of the former chief of the National Museum of Korea following a controversy involving the misattribution of a calligraphic work from his private collection.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the former director, You Hong-june, resigned earlier this week after it was revealed that the museum had incorrectly displayed the calligraphy as the work of a Korean independence activist. It was later identified as a piece by a prominent pro-Japanese collaborator during Korea's colonial period under Japan from 1910 to 1945 and was found to belong to You's private collection.

Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young expressed concerns about the incident's impact, stating that it has harmed the museum's reputation and public trust. During a parliamentary audit of the ministry, Chae emphasized the need for a rigorous investigation to restore public confidence.

The audit will extend beyond the alleged misuse of authority by You and will examine all procedures related to the management and authentication of the exhibit in question, Chae further noted.