Kim Juwon, Artistic Director of Korea Ballet Festival, Appointed as New Director of the National Ballet Company

Kim Juwon, artistic director and CEO of the Korea Ballet Festival, has been appointed as the new director and artistic director of the National Ballet Company.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that on August 6, Minister Choi Hwiyoung appointed Kim Juwon as the new director and artistic director of the National Ballet Company, presenting her with the official letter of appointment. The term of office is three years.

Choi Huieong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (left), and Kim Juwon, newly appointed director and artistic director of the National Ballet Company. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

After graduating from the Bolshoi Ballet School in Russia, Kim began her career as a principal dancer in the National Ballet Company, establishing herself as one of Korea’s most prominent ballerinas. Following her departure from the company, she served as an associate professor in the Department of Dance Arts at Sungshin Women’s University, nurturing the next generation of talent. She currently serves as the artistic director and CEO of the Korea Ballet Festival as well as artistic director of the Busan Opera House Ballet Company.

In 2006, she received international recognition for her artistry and skill by receiving the Best Female Dancer award at the prestigious Benois de la Danse.

Founded in 1962, the National Ballet Company is Korea’s premier national ballet troupe, expanding public access to culture through performances of both classical and original ballets. It also contributes to the development of Korean ballet through domestic and international exchanges and by fostering the next generation of dancers.

Minister Choi Hwiyoung stated, “Kim Juwon, the new director, is an artist who has grown alongside Korean ballet through her long-time role as principal dancer at the National Ballet Company, making her the ideal candidate with extensive field experience and expertise in both education and cultural administration. I look forward to her leadership reinforcing the National Ballet Company as a beloved national arts institution, expanding the reach of ballet, and enhancing its international competitiveness.”

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