New Leadership Marks the Dawn of a Cultural Renaissance in South Korea

South Korea’s Arts Council Elects New Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, Marking the Beginning of a New Era in the Arts

The Korea Arts Council has announced the election of Shin Soo-jeong as the 41st Chairperson of the Korean Culture and Arts Committee. Accompanying her is the renowned Son Jin-chae, who has been elected as the Vice Chairperson for the theater, film, and dance sectors.

Shin Soo-jeong: A Visionary Leader

Shin Soo-jeong, aged 81, has an illustrious career as a professor at Seoul National University and has collaborated with prestigious orchestras such as KBS, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and NHK. She has been an active member of the Korean Culture and Arts Committee since 2009, contributing significantly to its endeavors.

Graduating from the Department of Music at Seoul National University, Shin Soo-jeong holds an impressive academic background. She obtained her degree from the Vienna National Academy of Music and Arts in 1967 and served as the head of the Department of Music at Seoul National University in 2005. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Cultural Merit Medal in 1995 and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2011. Currently, she serves as an honorary professor at Seoul National University, dedicating her efforts to nurturing young talents.

Son Jin-chae: A Trailblazer in the Arts

Son Jin-chae, the newly elected Vice Chairperson, also brings a remarkable track record to the Korean Culture and Arts Committee. Notably, he served as the overall director of the opening ceremony for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. In 2004, he assumed the role of Artistic Director at the Seoul Arts Center, followed by his appointment as the Artistic Director of the National Theater Company in 2010. Son Jin-chae joined the Korean Culture and Arts Committee in 2017.

Graduating from the Department of Theater and Film at Seoul Institute of the Arts, Son Jin-chae made his debut in 1974 with the play “Seoul Madugi.” He has since directed various works, including outdoor plays such as “Heosaengjeon” and the musical “Yoon Bong-gil.” Son Jin-chae’s contributions have been acknowledged with accolades such as the Lee Hae-rang Theater Award in 2003 and the Dongbaekjang Medal of Honor in 2010. Currently, he is directing the opera “Turandot.”

A New Chapter for the Korean Culture and Arts Committee

The newly elected Chairperson and Vice Chairperson will assume their roles from December 20th, serving until December 19th, 2025. The Korean Culture and Arts Committee plays a vital role in promoting and supporting various forms of art in Korea. Its mission includes nurturing young talents and fostering cultural exchanges, with the aim of shaping Korea’s cultural landscape. With their rich experience and expertise, Shin Soo-jeong and Son Jin-chae will lead the Korean Culture and Arts Committee into a new era of art.