Former Seoul Arts Center President Goh Hak-chan Passes Away at 77: A Loss for Korean Culture

Former President of Seoul Arts Center, Goh Hak-chan, Passes Away at the Age of 77

Goh Hak-chan, the former president of Seoul Arts Center, has passed away at the age of 77. His death is a significant loss for the Korean cultural community.

A Life Dedicated to the Arts

Goh Hak-chan was born in Jeju in 1947 and graduated from Hanyang University with a degree in Theater and Film. He began his career as a producer at Dongyang Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), where he worked on comedy programs such as “It Was Good, It Was Great” and “Long Live Hwang In-yong.”

After TBC was dissolved in 1980 due to media consolidation, Goh Hak-chan moved to the United States and became the first Korean-language broadcaster there. He held positions such as Director of Programming and Production at New York’s KABS-TV, Director of Production at Jeil Planning Q Channel, Director of Broadcasting at Samsung Video Division, and Director of Yoon Dang Art Hall. In 2013, he assumed the role of president at Seoul Arts Center.

Transforming Seoul Arts Center

During his tenure as the 14th and 15th president of Seoul Arts Center, Goh Hak-chan made history by serving for six years, the longest term in the institution’s history. He introduced the “Night of Songs” performance series, where he personally sang and interacted with the audience, contributing to the popularization of the arts.

Through the implementation of the performance video project, Goh Hak-chan helped lower the barriers to entry for opera, ballet, and classical music, expanding the cultural territory beyond Korea’s borders.

A New Chapter and Legacy

After stepping down as president of Seoul Arts Center, Goh Hak-chan pursued his long-held dream of becoming a singer through YouTube. In April of last year, he even held the “Goh Hak-chan Begin Again Concert” in his hometown, Jeju.

In 2021, he took on the role of Director of the Hanyang University Alumni Volunteer Corps and organized the German Brandenburg Federal State Youth Choir Exchange Concert, showcasing his continued active involvement in various activities.

Remembering Goh Hak-chan

Goh Hak-chan is survived by his wife, An Jeong-hee. The funeral will be held at Seoul Hanyang University Hospital, with the procession taking place at 1 PM on the 7th of this month. He will be laid to rest at Seoul City Seunghwa Cemetery.

Sources: Newsis