Cha Gyugeun: "Five Artists with Pro-Japanese Controversies Among Bank of Korea's Art Collection"

It has been confirmed that among the artworks owned by the Bank of Korea, there are at least five artists who have been the subject of controversy over pro-Japanese activities.

According to data received from the Bank of Korea by Assemblyman Cha Gyugeun of the Innovation Party (Planning and Finance Committee) on October 9, the artworks by controversial pro-Japanese artists owned by the Bank of Korea include: "Family" by Kim Kyungseung (appraised at 80 million won, acquired in 1987), "Melody of Spring" by Kim Inseung (appraised at 150 million won, acquired in 1962), "Fisherman in Autumn River" by No Suhyeon (appraised at 10 million won, acquired in 1967), "Hometown" by Park Youngsun (appraised at 40 million won, acquired in 1959), and "Waterside" by Shim Hyunggu (appraised at 30 million won, acquired in 1959).

The status of pro-Japanese controversy was confirmed by cross-referencing the list of artworks owned by the Bank of Korea with the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture.

Assemblyman Cha Gyugeun Questioning
(Busan=Yonhap News) Reporter Kang Sunbae = On October 23, Assemblyman Cha Gyugeun of the Innovation Party questioned during the National Assembly Planning and Finance Committee’s audit held at the Busan Regional Tax Office in Yeonje-gu, Busan. The audit covered the Busan Regional Tax Office, Busan Main Customs, Busan-Gyeongnam Regional Procurement Office, Southeast Regional Statistics Office, and the Bank of Korea Busan-Gyeongnam-Ulsan Headquarters. 2024.10.23
sbkang@yna.co.kr (End)
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The Bank of Korea reportedly began collecting artworks in the 1950s to support domestic artists who were facing economic difficulties. The purchase of artworks continued until last year.

Assemblyman Cha stated, "Upon reviewing the artworks owned by the Bank of Korea, it was confirmed that there are at least five artists with pro-Japanese controversies. As our country has a painful history, the Bank of Korea, as the central bank of Korea, should make efforts to consider history and public sentiment when acquiring artworks in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.