"We will proceed with the Seoul Performing Arts Company's relocation to Gwangju as planned. However, additional discussions are needed regarding the timing and format of the move."
Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young made these remarks at a press conference marking six months in office, held at Modu Arts Theater in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 12th.
"There were criticisms that consultations regarding the Seoul Performing Arts Company's relocation to Gwangju were insufficient, and since we took time to gather various opinions through last year, we plan to proceed with the relocation as originally planned," Choi said. He added that additional discussions are needed on the specific timing and format of the move.
The relocation during the first half of this year, as originally announced, now appears unlikely. The ministry announced last year as part of its long-term cultural policy that all national arts organizations would relocate to regional cities, including the Seoul Performing Arts Company to Gwangju and the Korea National Opera to Daegu. However, the plan was suspended entirely under the new administration.
Regarding other national arts organizations' relocations, Choi said, "Issues related to public institution relocations are intertwined, and we are still reviewing the overall situation. Nothing specific has been decided yet."
When asked whether the ministry was applying different standards to cultural heritage preservation regarding the Sewoon Sangga redevelopment near Jongmyo Shrine and the controversy over the Hangeul signboard at Gwanghwamun Gate, Choi emphasized his approach was consistent.
"Preserving the original form is most important for both Jongmyo and Gwanghwamun," he said. "The Gwanghwamun Hangeul signboard discussion began from the perspective of reflecting new contemporary demands while preserving the existing signboard's original form. Matters like the development near Jongmyo that could alter the original structure itself require separate evaluation."
Regarding BTS's concert at Gwanghwamun Square scheduled for the 21st of next month, Choi expressed gratitude and pledged active support.
"I see this as an opportunity to showcase the essence of our country to the world, and we are making thorough preparations to ensure the concert goes smoothly," he said. On ticket scalping, he emphasized, "We will do our best to prevent any unpleasant incidents."
Choi announced that "Culture Day," set to expand starting in April, will operate in a different format.
"As 'Wednesday becomes Culture Day' going forward, both the content and format will inevitably change," he said. "It would be a misunderstanding to assume the discounts previously offered on the last Wednesday of each month will continue as before." He added, "Discounts on Culture Day are for the relevant industries to decide, and nothing has been uniformly determined. The government and cultural artists must work together to make Wednesdays a day rich in culture."
On the prolonged vacancies in leadership positions at affiliated organizations, including the president of the Korea Creative Content Agency, Choi offered a general commitment to expedite the process.
"It took time because we first needed to identify who would be suitable for each position," he said. "Since six months have passed since I took office, I don't think we can delay any further, so we will proceed quickly."
Asked about his overall achievements over the past six months, Choi acknowledged criticism.
"I am aware there are rebukes asking what I have been doing," he said. "I feel the urgency too. I will work with specificity so that results are felt in the field, without being swayed by external pressures."