The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held the "3rd Inaugural Ceremony for the 2026 Integrated Selection of National Arts Organization Youth Training Members" at the Yeakdang Hall of the National Gugak Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 10th. The training members will work with seven national arts organizations, the National Gugak Center, and the National Theater of Korea.
A total of 456 young artists were selected through this integrated selection process. The seven national arts organizations include the Korea National Opera, Korean National Ballet, Korea National Chorus, Korea National Symphony Orchestra, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, National Theater Company of Korea, and National Jeongdong Theater. The Seoul Performing Arts Company, which is under discussion for relocation to Gwangju Metropolitan City, has been excluded from the program since last year.
The "National Arts Organization Youth Training Member Development" program provides arts graduates with opportunities to participate in national organization performances to build practical experience after graduation and nurtures next-generation performing arts talent through various professional training programs. In 2024 and 2025, 350 and 542 young artists respectively were given opportunities. This year, a total of 473 artists (456 through integrated selection and 17 through separate selection) are set to participate.
According to the ministry, the integrated open call held in January saw 2,489 applicants, resulting in a high competition ratio of 4.83 to 1. The National Theater Company of Korea recorded the highest competition ratio at 14.03 to 1, with 842 applicants competing for 60 positions.
This year's 473 youth training members will receive approximately 30 to 40 hours of specialized practical training per month organized by their respective organizations in areas including classical music, dance, traditional arts, and theater. They will also have opportunities to participate in various performances conducted by national arts organizations this year. In November, they plan to showcase works created from their year-long learning experience through a results presentation by field.
First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Young-soo, who attended the ceremony, said, "This inaugural ceremony marks a starting point where young artists from different fields come together and take another step toward their dreams." He added, "The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and national arts organizations will do our best together to support youth training members so they can gain experience on more stages, nurture their dreams, and grow."