[Summary] Ballerino Na Daehan Travels to Japan with Girlfriend During Self-Quarantine... National Ballet Company to "Discipline"

Ballet dancer Na Daehan of the National Ballet Company / Photo by Na Daehan Instagram

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim, Reporter Seunggon Han] National Ballet Company ballerino Na Daehan is embroiled in controversy after violating self-quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by traveling to Japan with his girlfriend. The National Ballet Company stated, "We will take strict measures, including disciplinary action against the member in question."

Na Daehan performed in the production of "Swan Lake" held at Daegu Opera House on the 14th and 15th of last month. After the performance, as the number of COVID-19 cases in Daegu surged, more than 130 staff members and dancers, including Artistic Director Kang Sujin who participated in the performance, were subject to self-quarantine.

The National Ballet Company canceled all scheduled performances of "Swan Lake" in Jeonju and Yeosu. The company’s members reportedly stayed at home from the 24th of last month to the 1st, reporting their health status daily.

However, contrary to the National Ballet Company's measures, Na Daehan traveled to Japan with his girlfriend and posted about it on his social networking service (SNS).

In a phone interview with a media outlet, Na Daehan apologized, saying, "I don't think it's right to say anything right now," and "I'm sorry."

Na Daehan had a considerable number of followers from appearing on Mnet's "Somebody" Season 1, and the news of his Japan trip quickly became controversial. He deleted the photos and then closed his SNS account.

Apology from the National Ballet Company / Photo by the National Ballet Company Official Website

In response to the controversy, the National Ballet Company stated on its official website on the 2nd, "We have confirmed that a member of the National Ballet Company traveled to Japan arbitrarily during the self-quarantine period amid the nationwide spread of COVID-19."

Artistic Director Kang Sujin added, "I deeply regret that a member of the National Ballet Company committed an act that should not have been done, and as the artistic director, I feel very sorry. We will take strict measures, including disciplinary action against the member, through internal procedures."

The following is the full statement from the National Ballet Company

Hello, this is Artistic Director Kang Sujin of the National Ballet Company.

First of all, I apologize for causing concern to the public due to an unfortunate incident amid the national turmoil.

We have confirmed that a member of the National Ballet Company traveled to Japan arbitrarily during the self-quarantine period amid the nationwide spread of COVID-19.

This is an act that should not have been committed by a member of the National Ballet Company, and as the artistic director, I feel very sorry. Our National Ballet Company will take strict measures, including disciplinary action against the member, through internal procedures.

Furthermore, we will pay more careful attention to managing our members to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

Once again, I apologize and wish good health to all the people who love our National Ballet Company.

March 2, 2020 Artistic Director Kang Sujin, National Ballet Company