Lim Heon-young, who previously directed the National Research Institute of Korean History and is known for his work on the 'Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Figures', is the new head of the National Korean Literature Museum, appointed on August 8. At 85, he is the oldest director in any government office in South Korea. In a recent press conference, he discussed his vision for the museum, asserting that it would not merely focus on data collection but also aim to engage the public with literature. He stated that while painful, the true history should be revealed and discussed openly, regardless of its contentious aspects, indicating a commitment to an honest representation of literature, including pro-Japanese works.

The National Korean Literature Museum, established in 2019, has been collecting literary materials and aims to formally open its facilities in spring 2024 at its location in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. Lim outlined plans to celebrate literary figures who have made significant contributions to Korean literature, visible through initiatives like the 'Literary Figures of the Month', which would recognize influential authors and host related events like public lectures and readings. This approach is designed to broaden the museum's impact and accessibility, moving beyond its previous focus on preserving collections.

As Lim takes on this leadership role, he inherits a wealth of materials—over 120,000 items—collected in the past few years. The museum's upcoming projects will not only spotlight significant literary anniversaries, such as the centennial of Hong Yoong-hun’s 'Silence of a Lover' and Lee Sang-hwa’s poetry, but also aim to forge a stronger connection with the public by promoting literature as a shared cultural experience. Lim's vision for the museum reflects a critical stance on the country's literary history while emphasizing cultural engagement and education for all citizens.