Choreographer Jung Hyejin on Bessie Award: "Ilmu Embodies the Spirit of Those Who Persevered Together"

"Ilmu embodies the spirit of people who have persevered together with a single goal in mind. I believe this award is the result of the trust we built by enduring that time together, and the collective effort of many people over the years."

Choreographer Jung Hyejin, who created Ilmu, the signature repertoire of the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre, shared these thoughts after winning the "Best Choreographer/Creator" award at the New York Dance & Performance Awards (The Bessies).

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts announced on the 21st that Ilmu by the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre won the "Best Choreographer/Creator" award at the Bessies in the United States. Ilmu became the first work by a Korean national or public arts organization to receive a Bessie Award. The ceremony took place on the afternoon of the 20th (local time).

Kim Seonghoon (left) and choreographer Jung Hyejin of "Ilmu" are speaking after receiving the "Best Choreographer/Creator" award at the New York Dance & Performance Awards (The Bessies) on the 20th (local time).
Photo by Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

Premiered in 2022, Ilmu is a contemporary reinterpretation of the ritual dance from Jongmyo Jeryeak, Korea's first National Intangible Cultural Heritage and a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The choreography was created by Jung Hyejin, Kim Seonghoon, and Kim Jaeduck, with direction by Jung Kuho. The piece was performed at Lincoln Center in New York in 2023, where every show sold out, drawing significant attention. Ilmu also proved its value domestically by winning the "2024 Korea National Brand Grand Prize."

The Bessies, established in 1984, are the most prestigious awards in New York's dance and performance scene. Each year, the awards recognize the most innovative artists and works performed in New York. Choreographers Jung Hyejin, Kim Seonghoon, and Kim Jaeduck were selected as winners alongside Nia Love, who explores Black identity; Shamel Pitts, known for his dynamic stage presence and background with the Batsheva Dance Company; and Wanjiru Kamuyu, who addresses migration and cultural boundaries through African traditional dance. There were 12 nominees for Best Choreographer/Creator, with four teams ultimately receiving the honor.

The Bessie Awards selection committee described Ilmu as "visually captivating and a modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean ritual dance," adding, "It demonstrated a perfect balance of stillness and movement, reaching its peak with explosive and dynamic choreography."

An Hosang, President of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, stated, "This award proves that the creative capabilities the Sejong Center has developed as a producing theater meet global standards. It is a symbolic moment showing that our repertoire strategy, built through focused selection, has positioned Korea at the center of contemporary global art discourse."