"I will work to produce original operas that carry Korean sentiment and color that global audiences can enjoy."
Park Hye-jin, the new general director of the Korea National Opera, outlined her management direction at a press conference held at the N Studio of the Seoul Arts Center on the 28th. Park emphasized the connection between productions and audiences. "Opera is changing from an art form confined to specific spaces into one that breathes naturally within the lives of contemporary audiences," she said. "I will present performances that keep pace with the times and are audience-friendly."
To this end, she proposed selecting works with mass appeal and casting star vocalists. "We have contributed to raising the level of opera by consistently staging experimental and artistic works," Park said. "Going forward, we will also present popular and buzz-worthy productions to give audiences a wider range of choices."
She also shared her vision for producing original operas. "We will continue to develop original operas carrying uniquely Korean sentiments and stories so that Hallyu content can expand into the classical and opera fields," Park said. "By collaborating with excellent composers and directors, we will ensure that K-opera is steadily introduced to overseas stages."
As part of efforts to broaden the audience base, she also plans to focus on audience development across life stages. A key initiative is producing children's operas, with the children's opera "Pinocchio" scheduled for March next year. She also proposed strengthening communication with young audiences through digital media such as webtoons and social media.
Park introduced plans to meet audiences in various spaces beyond the opera house as well. "We will pursue performances at various cultural venues such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Korea, as well as outdoor venues, so that anyone can easily enjoy them," she said.
Meanwhile, regarding the controversy over her appointment, Park said she felt unfairly treated. After the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism appointed Park in April, the cultural and arts community raised questions about her responsibility for the death of a chorus member that occurred during her tenure as director of the Seoul Metropolitan Opera. "I believe I am a well-prepared general director of the Korea National Opera," Park said. "Regarding the chorus member incident, I was not aware of it even a year after it occurred, and the prosecution ultimately cleared me of charges. There is much that has been unfair."
