Minister Choi Hwi-young Directly Addresses Controversy Over Korean National Ballet Director Appointment

Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, directly addressed and dismissed speculative rumors circulating about the appointment of the new Director of the Korean National Ballet, calling them baseless.

On June 6, Minister Choi stated via social media, "Strange and unfounded rumors are spreading regarding the appointment of the new director of the Korean National Ballet," and added, "Even the media is fueling distrust by subtly treating these groundless rumors as established facts under the guise of so-called candidate shortlists."

He continued, "The rumor claims that a senior university professor who majored in dance, has no professional ballet company experience, and was previously active in the Lee Jae-myung campaign will be appointed," and emphasized, "I want to make it clear that such a person has never been on my list of candidates under consideration, from the very beginning until now, as I, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the appointing authority, am carefully reviewing the candidates."

It appears that Minister Choi made this statement directly after members of the Korean National Ballet released a formal statement regarding the appointment of the next director. In their statement on the same day, the company members said, "We strongly urge the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism," and added, "Please make deep understanding of professional ballet company management and artistic expertise the top criteria for the appointment of the next director of the Korean National Ballet."

Minister Choi stated, "There are always many rumors and speculations during personnel appointments, but this time things have gone too far," making it clear that the individual currently being mentioned as a candidate is not part of the shortlist. He also added, "I ask the members of the Korean National Ballet not to worry and to remain fully dedicated to their performances."

The position of Director of the Korean National Ballet has remained vacant since April, when former Director Kang Sue-jin retired after completing her 12-year tenure. As the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism began the process of selecting a successor, the dance community saw the spread of unconfirmed rumors that someone without experience in managing a ballet company had been nominated as the next director.

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