Cultural Figures Protest 'Unfair Appointments,' Demand Presidential Apology

The streets of Seoul have once again become a stage for cultural and artistic professionals to voice their dissent, this time against what they perceive as a pattern of biased and politically motivated appointments within the cultural sector. Hankyoreh reports that a coalition of over 20 prominent cultural figures, including representatives from Culture Solidarity, gathered in front of the Blue House to demand an immediate cessation of "unilateral personnel actions" that they argue are undermining the professionalism and trust in the arts. Their protest, fueled by the recent appointments of comedian Seo Seung-man to lead the National Jeongdong Theater and food columnist Hwang Gyo-ik to head the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, has galvanized widespread support, with 65 cultural organizations and 794 artists signing a statement calling for accountability and an apology from President Lee Jae-myung.

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Culture and arts are areas that create social values and directions, so personnel appointments are policies, and their standards and procedures must be fair above all else. However, by appointing based on closed-door deals, favors, and celebrities, we are destroying the trust of the cultural 현장 (scene/field) and causing deep anxiety throughout the entire cultural and artistic ecosystem. We can no longer remain silent, so we have gathered here.

This outcry is not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of growing dissatisfaction with the government's approach to cultural appointments. Critics point to a series of appointments, including that of actor Jang Dong-jik as chairman of the National Jeongdong Theater and Park Hye-jin as director of the National Opera Company, as evidence of a disregard for expertise and a preference for celebrity or politically connected individuals. The appointment of Hwang Gyo-ik, in particular, has drawn sharp criticism from academics and researchers within the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, who have jointly issued a statement opposing his nomination. This sentiment is echoed by field artists, who have also condemned the appointments, highlighting a deep-seated concern that these decisions are driven by political loyalty rather than merit.

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The appointments of Seo Seung-man and Hwang Gyo-ik ignited the fire, but this is not just a problem of these two people.

From the perspective of many in South Korea's vibrant arts community, these appointments represent a betrayal of the principles of fairness and transparency that should govern the cultural sphere. As singer-songwriter Lee Seo-young articulated, it is deeply insulting that individual artists face rigorous scrutiny for their work while high-level positions are filled with individuals seemingly chosen for their connections rather than their qualifications. The protesters emphasize that they are not merely seeking personal gain but are fighting to protect the integrity of a sector that plays a crucial role in shaping societal values. They draw a stark contrast between their own long-standing commitment to democratic values and human rights, often demonstrated through public action, and the perceived superficiality of the current appointees. The demand for a public apology from the President and a commitment to transparent, merit-based appointments underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination of these artists to see meaningful change.

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The government and the ruling party are appointing these individuals with very easy standards, while individual artists are required to go through such rigorous procedures to be recognized. How did you verify these people? This is an insult to us artists.