ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Korean National Ballet Dancers Protest Politically Connected Director Pick

institutional · 2026-06-09

The Korean National Ballet is in turmoil over rumors that its next artistic director will be a university professor with political connections but no ballet experience. Dancers issued a public statement demanding a qualified, experienced leader. The Culture Minister denied any decision has been made, calling the rumors groundless.

Key facts

  • Rumors claim the chosen candidate is a politically-connected university professor with no ballet experience.
  • Dancers of the Korean National Ballet issued a public statement stressing the need for a qualified, experienced director.
  • The Culture Minister responded that no choice has been made and the rumors are groundless.
  • The controversy was reported by The Chosun Daily (Seoul) on June 6, 2026.

Entities

Institutions

  • Korean National Ballet
  • The Chosun Daily

Locations

  • Seoul
  • South Korea

Sources