"The Seoul Arts Troupe will relocate to Gwangju. Additional discussions are needed regarding the timing and form of the relocation. Other national arts organizations will be addressed as part of the broader government-wide public institution relocation plan."
Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young made the announcement at a press conference marking six months in office, held Thursday at Modu Arts Theater in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
"There were concerns about insufficient consultation regarding the Seoul Arts Troupe's relocation to Gwangju, but we gathered various opinions through last year, and we plan to proceed according to principle," Choi said. However, she noted that additional discussions are needed on the specific timing and form of the move. The originally announced relocation in the first half of this year now appears unlikely.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced last year that all national arts organizations would relocate to regional areas, including the Seoul Arts Troupe to Gwangju and the Korea National Opera to Daegu. The plan was put on hold under the new administration but gained renewed attention when mentioned in President Lee Jae-myung's government briefing last year.
Regarding other national arts organizations, Choi took a cautious stance, saying the matter "is intertwined with broader public institution relocation issues" and that "nothing specific has been decided yet."
On the Gwanghwamun Gate Hangeul signboard controversy, Choi emphasized that preserving original heritage is paramount for both Jongmyo Shrine and Gwanghwamun. "The Hangeul signboard discussion aims to reflect contemporary demands while preserving the existing signboard," she explained, adding that public consultation and Cultural Heritage Committee review would proceed.
Regarding BTS's upcoming concert at Gwanghwamun Square on June 21, Choi called it "meaningful and appreciated," pledging full government support. "We see this as an opportunity to showcase Korea's essence to the world," she said, adding that efforts would be made to prevent ticket scalping issues.
On the expanded "Culture Day" program starting in April, Choi clarified that the shift to every Wednesday would bring changes to format and content. "It's a misunderstanding to expect the same discounts that were offered on the last Wednesday of each month," she said.
Addressing prolonged vacancies at affiliated organizations including the Korea Creative Content Agency, Choi acknowledged delays in appointments. "Six months have passed since I took office, and we cannot delay any further," she said.
Reflecting on her tenure, Choi acknowledged criticism about her pace of progress. "I know there are questions about what I've been doing. I'm also frustrated. I will work with specificity so results can be felt in the field, without hesitation," she said.
The minister highlighted key achievements including establishing the "arm's length principle" to protect artistic independence, the APEC Gyeongju Declaration recognizing cultural creative industries as a new growth engine, emergency measures for the struggling film industry, and legislation addressing ticket scalping and illegal content distribution within four months.