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

"Ilmu embodies the spirit of people who have endured together with one mind toward a single goal. I believe it is the result of the trust we have built by supporting each other through that time, and the collective effort of many people over the years."

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

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 Bessies ceremony was held 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, and the production was directed 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 Award."

The Bessies, established in 1984, are the most prestigious awards in New York’s dance and performance scene. Each year, they select the most innovative artists and works among those performed in New York. Choreographers Jung Hyejin, Kim Seonghoon, and Kim Jaeduck were selected as winners alongside Nia Love, known for exploring Black identity; Shamel Pitts, formerly of Batsheva Dance Company and noted for his dynamic performances; and Wanjiru Kamuyu, who addresses migration and cultural boundaries through African traditional dance. There were 12 nominees for the Best Choreographer/Creator category, and 4 teams were honored with the award.

The Bessies selection committee described Ilmu as "visually captivating and a modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean ceremonial dance," and explained their decision by saying, "It achieves a perfect balance between stillness and movement, while reaching its peak with explosive and dynamic choreography."

Director Jung Kuho, who was responsible for the direction and scenography of Ilmu, said, "Ilmu is a work that reflects a long period of contemplation to showcase the beauty of restraint and space inherent in our traditional arts. While rooted in tradition, we aimed to present an evolved form of tradition to today's audiences, and it is deeply meaningful that this effort has been recognized not only in Korea but also overseas. I hope that more works introducing a new heritage for this generation will be spotlighted around the world."

Choreographer Kim Seonghoon expressed gratitude, saying, "I would like to thank director Jung Kuho, Jung Hyejin, Kim Jaeduck, and all the dancers who brought together their bodies, time, and beliefs into a single dance. This work lives on through all of you." Choreographer Kim Jaeduck, who was in charge of both music and choreography, said, "It is personally significant to be able to share my exploration of 'historical authenticity in the present day' with international audiences."

Ahn Hosang, President of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, emphasized, "This award proves that the creative capabilities the Sejong Center has accumulated as a producing theater meet global standards. It is a symbolic moment showing that our repertoire strategy, built through selective focus, has positioned Korea at the center of contemporary global artistic discourse."