[2025 Audit] Korea Craft and Design Foundation President Faces Allegations of Allocating 550 Million Won to Exhibition for Personal Acquaintance After Sexual Harassment Controversy

No Open Call or Evaluation Process... Took on Role of Artistic Director
"Potential Violation of Conflict of Interest Act, Audit Needed"

Jang Donggwang, President of the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, Yonhap News Agency

Jang Donggwang, President of the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, is facing allegations of misusing public exhibition funds for personal purposes following previous controversy over sexual harassment. It has been pointed out that he personally planned an exhibition for an artist with whom he has a close personal relationship and allocated a budget exceeding 550 million won for the event.

According to materials from the Korea Craft and Design Foundation released by Assemblyman Yang Moonseok of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on October 29, the special exhibitions at the multi-purpose cultural space "Culture Station Seoul 284" are planned by the foundation's internal exhibition and curation team without any open call process. Although there is an external advisory meeting, the advisory members are appointed by the president. There are no evaluation criteria or evaluation forms in place, effectively allowing the president to control the entire exhibition selection process.

Within this structure, during his tenure, President Jang promoted a solo exhibition for Artist A. President Jang and Artist A previously worked together at the Seoul National University Museum of Art, serving as director and chief curator, respectively. Their relationship continued as they both held positions as professors and lecturers at the College of Fine Arts at Seoul National University.

A total of 550 million won was spent on the controversial exhibition. For the first time among the foundation's special exhibitions, President Jang took on the role of artistic director and oversaw the entire exhibition planning process.

The Act on the Prevention of Conflict of Interest of Public Officials stipulates that public officials must recuse themselves if they become aware of any private interests related to their work. It also prohibits allowing third parties to privately use or benefit from public institution facilities. As a related institution, the Korea Craft and Design Foundation is required to comply with these regulations.

Assemblyman Yang stated, "An individual recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a perpetrator of sexual harassment continues to work without apologizing to the victim," adding, "The circumstances in which over 550 million won of the institution's budget was allocated to an exhibition for an artist with whom he has personal ties are also shocking to the public." He further emphasized, "The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism must recognize the seriousness of the matter and immediately initiate an audit."