Choi Sun-kyu, the head of the Gangneung Choi clan association, had earlier complained that Shin's portrait, the first of a woman on a Korean banknote, is an inaccurate representation of a contemporary portrait. Shin was a prominent 16th-century artist, calligrapher and mother of Confucian scholar Yulgok Yi Yi. The new W50,000 banknote will go into circulation in June.

The moment he met with BOK officials, Choi asked why the portrait on the banknote "inaccurately" represent her authentic image. But he began nodding his head when BOK officials explained in detail and presented some data to him, saying it is possible that a portrait on a banknote can be different from an authentic portrait. Shin's face appears fuller on the bill.

After a lengthy discussion, Choi left, saying he wished officials had explained the matter earlier. "I respect the BOK's decision," he added.

On Tuesday, senior members of the Pyeongsan Shin clan association, to which Shin belongs on her paternal side, met with the Chosun Ilbo. Shin Jung-soo, the head of the association, said confusion could arise if her authentic portrait kept at Ojukheon, her home in Gangneung, is different from the portrait on the banknote. "It's a regret that her picture on the banknote is not an accurate representation of the authentic portrait," he said.

Shin said since the prototype has already been printed, the clan cannot overturn the decision made by the government but decided to express its regret.

Lee Jong-sang, the painter who drew Shin for the new banknote, told the Chosun Ilbo by phone, "Please let your readers know by all means that the portrait on the banknote is of high artistic value." No one knows what Shin Saimdang actually looked like. Legend has it that Kim Eun-ho, the painter who drew the original portrait, drew it after seeing her face in a dream. Lee equally permitted his imagination some room.

(englishnews@chosun.com )