Kim Joo-won Appointed New Director of National Ballet of Korea

Kim Joo-won, a professor at Seoul Cyber University, has been appointed as the new director and artistic director of the National Ballet of Korea. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced her appointment, which will see her lead the esteemed ballet company for a three-year term, concluding in August 2029.

Choi Whee-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, presented Kim with her letter of appointment. He highlighted her long career as a principal dancer with the National Ballet, emphasizing her deep connection to the growth of Korean ballet. The minister expressed confidence that Kim's blend of practical stage experience and professional arts administration expertise makes her an ideal candidate to broaden the accessibility of ballet and strengthen its global standing.

Founded in 1962, the National Ballet of Korea is a leading institution in the country, dedicated to expanding cultural enjoyment through performances of both classical and contemporary ballets. The company also focuses on fostering international exchanges and nurturing the next generation of dancers.

Kim Joo-won boasts an impressive background, having graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia. She performed as a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Korea from 1998 to 2012. In 2006, she received the prestigious Benois de la Danse award for Best Female Dancer, often referred to as the "Oscars of ballet." Following her performing career, she transitioned into academia, teaching at Sungshin Women's University from 2012 to 2023 before taking on her current role as Vice Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Seoul Cyber University. She also currently serves as the director and artistic director of the Korea Ballet Festival and the Busan Opera House Ballet Company.

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She is an artist who has grown with Korean ballet during her long tenure as a principal dancer with the National Ballet. She is a suitable candidate with both field experience and expertise in arts administration, and is expected to contribute to expanding the base of ballet and strengthening its international competitiveness.