Minister Choi Hwiyoung Attends National Theater Company's "Sammaekyung" and Encourages Cast

First Official Visit to the Arts Scene After Taking Office

On the afternoon of August 3, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young visited Myeongdong Theater to attend the final performance of the National Theater Company's "Sammaekyung" and encouraged the cast, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This was Minister Choi's first official visit to the arts scene since taking office on July 31.

"Sammaekyung," planned and produced by the National Theater Company, is a play based on "Dongseung," originally written by author Ham Saedeok (1915?1950) and directed by Yu Chi-jin (1935?1974), which premiered in 1939. Lee Cheolhee, head of the theater company Cornerstone, was responsible for the adaptation and direction. Actor Ji Chunseong, who played the lead role of "Donyum" at the age of twenty-five in the 1991 production of "Dongseung," returned to the same role in "Sammaekyung," drawing significant attention.

Minister Choi told actor Ji Chunseong, "The everlasting spirit of art you have shown has deeply moved the audience," adding, "Chunseong's life as an actor is a tribute to all artists of our time." She presented him with a bouquet and shared her impressions of the performance.

On the 3rd, Hwee Young Choi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, attended the final performance of the National Theater Company's "Sammaegyeong" at Myeongdong Arts Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul, and encouraged the cast by presenting a bouquet to actor Chun Sung Ji, who played the lead role.
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism HweeYoung Choi is seen talking with Park Junghee, the representative of the National Theater Company (first from the left), actor Ji Choonseong (second from the left), and director Lee Cheolhee (third from the left) after watching the final performance of the National Theater Company's "Sammaekyung" at Myeongdong Arts Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 3rd.
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Minister Choi also met with the cast of "Sammaekyung" and other young artists to listen to their difficulties and suggestions. Actor Jung Juho, who participated in last year's youth education program and was selected as a member of the National Theater Company this season, said, "I am grateful for the policies that provide opportunities for young artists to grow on various stages, and I hope my fellow young artists can gain even more experience."

Minister Choi responded, "The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is preparing various policies to expand opportunities for young artists to perform on stage and develop their creative abilities," and added, "We will continue to strengthen support for young artists." She also promised, "Based on the feedback gathered today, the Ministry will take the lead in creating opportunities and establishing a strong foundation, much like a 'motjari' (seedbed), so that artists can fully demonstrate their talents and the arts sector can flourish."

The National Theater Company, a national arts organization, was established in April 1950 as a resident company of the National Theater and became an independent foundation in 2010. It now operates Myeongdong Theater exclusively as a venue for theatrical performances.