Allegations of Corruption Between National Archives and NCRC

The transfer of the adoption records to the National Archive is expected to accompany a digitization project estimated to cost about 30 billion won (20 million USD).

There are allegations of collusion between NCRC and National Archives and a specific private company.

What Happened

  • The NCRC’s own archival specialist (“AS”) submitted a request for investigation into three individuals, accusing them of abuse of official authority and obstruction:
    • A researcher at the National Archives (“NA-R”)
    • An official of the National Archive (“NA-O”)
    • A Director General at the NCRC (“NCRC-DG”)
  • On March 19th, 2026, “AS” requested the Seoul Police Station’s Anti-Corruption Investigation Division to look at indications of collusion between a specific company and certain officials, specifically, whether there were any direct instructions by Lee Yong-cheol – Director of the National Archive.

Who is Accused

National Archive Researcher (“NA-R”)

  • “NA-R” is accused of providing false advice.
  • Contrary to the findings of the National Archive’s latest research report, they stated that there were ‘no issues’ with the ‘gamma-ray sterilisation’ method – despite the clear risk of damage to the records.
    • This can be seen as ‘pre-arranged advice’ intended to help a specific company secure the contract.

National Archive Official (“NA-o”)

  • According to the complaint, the accused official “NA-O”, during a site visit last January, stated, “The [National Archive] Director specifically instructed me to visit the site with a representative from the contractor,” and attempted to enter the temporary archive accompanied by a representative from a specific company.

NCRC General Director (“NCRC-DG”)

  • “NCRC-DG” is accused of colluding with “NA-O” and “NA-R”. It is alleged that they excluded the relevant operational teams and requested the National Archive to provide consultancy services to facilitate the participation of a specific company.
    • “NCRC-DG” denied the allegations in a comment to E-Daily: “I did not request consultancy on the premise of a specific private firm’s participation.”
  • “AS” also accused “NCRC-DG” of exerting undue pressure.
    • “AS” had raised objections due to concerns about the damage to records, but was pressured to carry out disinfection using a Class 1 carcinogen within the temporary archive.
    • “AS” has already filed a complaint with the Labor Commission regarding this matter, citing ‘workplace bullying’

Sources