Han-Na Chang (44), a cellist and conductor, has been named the new president of the Seoul Arts Center. It marks the first time a musician — and a woman — has been appointed to lead the institution since its opening in 1987.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on June 6 that it had appointed Chang as the new president of the Seoul Arts Center. Considering her current overseas schedule, her official term is expected to begin as early as June 24. The term is three years.
On the surprise appointment, Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young said, "The new president is a world-class performer and conductor who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the performing arts, backed by 32 years of field experience, leadership, and an extensive international network." He added, "We expect her to present a new vision and lead a leap forward for the Seoul Arts Center."
With this appointment, Chang moves beyond her performer-centered career to take on a new role running a public performing arts institution. She said on social media the same day, "I want to contribute the experience I have built over 32 years in the global performing arts scene more deeply and broadly to Korean culture and the arts."
Chang showed exceptional talent from a young age. She began playing the cello at age six and moved to the United States in 1993 to attend the Juilliard Pre-College program. The following year, at age 11, she became the youngest winner of the Rostropovich International Cello Competition, making her name known on the world stage. She went on to perform with leading orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra, establishing herself as a cellist of international stature.
In 2007, she transitioned to a full-time conducting career. In a past interview, she said, "I began studying symphonic music because I wanted to understand a broader musical world, and naturally became interested in conducting." She subsequently guest-conducted prominent ensembles including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. From 2017 to 2025, she served as principal conductor of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra in Norway. During this period, she built her capabilities as a music director, expanding her repertoire while gaining experience in shaping orchestral sound and managing organizational operations.
In Korea, she also made her mark as a festival organizer. Through "Han-Na Chang's Absolute Classic Festival" held at Seongnam Arts Center, she broadened access to classical music. More recently, she led "Han-Na Chang's Daejeon Grand Festival," expanding regional music projects. Last year, she was appointed as a visiting special professor at the Graduate School of Culture Technology at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), continuing to explore the intersection of art and technology.
Chang has deep ties to the Seoul Arts Center. In her remarks on the appointment, she recalled first performing on the Seoul Arts Center stage in 1992, when she was nine years old. "It has been a precious space where I have shared music with audiences in my homeland over many years," she said. "Now I return not as a performer but as the head of the institution," she added. "I will do my utmost to ensure the Seoul Arts Center becomes a hub of culture and the arts that is open to more people and in step with the times."
With Chang filling the position that had been vacant since June last year, attention is turning to her future direction. The Seoul Arts Center, one of Korea's premier performing arts venues, faces a range of challenges including improving its financial structure, enhancing operational efficiency, expanding support for artists, and developing new audiences.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also announced leadership appointments for major national arts organizations the same day. Park Hye-jin, a Dankook University professor and trained vocalist, was named director and artistic director of the Korean National Opera. Park completed undergraduate studies in vocal music at Yonsei University and a master's program at the Manhattan School of Music in the United States. She has performed leading roles in operas including "La Bohème," "Carmen," and "Turandot." Since 2022, she has led the Seoul Metropolitan Opera, accumulating experience spanning both production and education.
Yoo Mi-jung, a pianist and Dankook University professor, was appointed as CEO of the Korean National Symphony Orchestra. A graduate of the Peabody Institute and the Yale School of Music's advanced performance program, she has maintained active careers in concerto and solo performance both domestically and internationally. After serving as a lecturer at Yonsei University and the Korea National University of Arts and as an adjunct professor at Gachon University, she has been teaching at Dankook University since 2003. She is regarded as a well-rounded figure who has balanced performance and education throughout her career.