National Arts Organization Youth Education Team Launch Ceremony... Minister Yoon In-chon "Full Support"

On the 7th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held an integrated launching ceremony for young trainees of national organizations at the National Theater's Sky Theater, together with seven national arts organizations (National Opera Company, National Ballet Company, National Chorus, National Symphony Orchestra, National Contemporary Dance Company, National Theater Company, National Jeongdong Theater), the National Gugak Center, the National Theater, and the Federation of National Arts Organizations. Minister Yoo In-chon emphasized in his congratulatory speech that he would actively support young artists in training.

Through the young trainee development project for national arts organizations, the Ministry provides opportunities for arts majors to participate on national organization stages after graduation and gain practical experience. The goal is to discover the next generation leaders of K-Culture through diverse professional practical training offered by national arts organizations.

Last year, 350 young artists were given opportunities, and this year the scale will be expanded to allow a total of 542 people (487 selected through integrated recruitment and 55 through separate recruitment) to work as young trainees. In this year’s recruitment, a total of 2,684 people participated, showing a competition ratio of 4.92:1.

Yoon In-chon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is announcing the mid- to long-term key projects in the fields of culture, sports, and tourism at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on March 6, 2025. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

In his congratulatory speech, Minister Yoo In-chon said, "Seeing the 350 young artists perform at the end of last year gave me hope and helped me find dreams. Therefore, we increased the recruitment number to 600 this year, and I expect that young artists can become a great source of vitality in our cultural and artistic community."

After Minister Yoo’s speech, a “time for dialogue” was held between senior artists actively working in their respective fields?such as vocalist Samuel Yoon, director Lim Do-wan, Kim Bora, CEO of the art project 'Bora,' and Kang Hyo-joo, professor of Korean music at Ewha Womans University?and the young trainees. Young artists and senior artists asked and answered questions, fostering friendship and exchange.

Soprano Kim Su-yeon, who will continue to work as a young trainee with the National Chorus in 2024, said, "I was able to enhance my capabilities by experiencing high-quality education and performances at national arts organizations representing our country. Based on previous experiences, I will approach the training with a more mature attitude and do my best to continue delivering emotion and inspiration through chorus."

Minister Yoo In-chon emphasized that rapid technological advancements are bringing unpredictable changes to the arts field and pledged to actively support young artists during this turbulent time.

"As we enter the era of artificial intelligence, we live in a time when we cannot predict what kind of environment or art we will have in five or ten years. You are in the midst of this chaotic and unpredictable era. If you do not firmly establish what you will offer to people through art from now on, you may become an artist who is not chosen. I hope you grow into wonderful and respected artists, and I will work hard throughout this year to support you so that you can grow into such artists."