Munsamhwa New Seoul City Theater Director "Communicating with Audience through Young Theater"

Munsamhwa, Director of Seoul City Theater [Photo by Sejong Center for the Performing Arts]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Moon Sam-hwa (53), director of the theater troupe 'Gongsangjipdan Ddungttanji,' will take on the role of director of the Seoul Municipal Theater Company.

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts announced on the 1st that director Moon Sam-hwa has been appointed as the director of the Seoul Municipal Theater Company, effective immediately.

Newly appointed director Moon Sam-hwa has been active in the theater scene since 1999 and officially debuted in 2003 with the play 'Samagwi.' In 2008, she founded the theater troupe 'Gongsangjipdan Ddungttanji' and has directed and produced various plays since then. Since last year, she has served as vice president of the Seoul Theater Association, accumulating expertise and extensive experience in theater.

Her major works include 'Raibang,' 'Three Sisters,' 'Ilgopjipmae,' 'Baramdjikan Cheongsonyeon,' and the musical 'Gyun.' Notably, 'Ilgopjipmae,' which calmly portrays the pain of women in military base villages, and 'Baramdjikan Cheongsonyeon,' which depicts the growing pains of protagonists perceived as problematic youth, have sparked much attention through outstanding psychological characterization and direction reflecting contemporary society's realities and issues. She has been recognized for her delicate directing skills in numerous works, receiving awards such as the Excellent Work Award and Best Actress Award at the 2013 Seoul Theater Festival, Korea Theater BEST 7, the 2014 Kim Sang-yeol Theater Award, and the 2017 Director of the Year Award.

Newly appointed director Moon Sam-hwa stated, "I will do my best to infuse the Seoul Municipal Theater Company with its own unique color by communicating with audiences through young and vibrant theater that captures why, now, and here, reflecting the contemporaneity of theater."

Jung Hyun, Head of Business Management Division
Photo by Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts also announced that Jang Hyun (55) will be appointed as head of the Management Headquarters, effective on the 3rd.

Newly appointed head of management Jang Hyun began his career in 1994 at Samsung Video Business Division and has led the development of the domestic new media industry through management support roles at OnMedia and CJ ENM. Based on his diverse and extensive experience, he has worked to advance the cultural and artistic industries and strengthen their competitiveness.

In particular, as CEO of OnMedia’s regional broadcasting stations (SO) and during his tenure in CJ ENM’s broadcasting, film, and performance divisions, he demonstrated expertise and leadership by overseeing overall management tasks including establishing management plans for the cultural and artistic industries, business management, strategic planning, human resources, and M&A processes.

Head of management Jang Hyun expressed his aspirations, saying, "Based on the experience and know-how I have accumulated so far, I will do my utmost to help Sejong Center for the Performing Arts grow one step further into an artistic landmark that citizens want to visit again."