New Sejong Center CEO emphasizes cultural values
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Lee Seung-yeop, CEO of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, explains at a press conference, Tuesday, his plans to improve the quality of the theater’s artistic content. / Yonhap
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Lee Seung-yeop, CEO of the Sejong Center, vowed to improve the quality of the theater’s artistic content at a press conference Tuesday.
The Sejong Center, located in the heart of Seoul, is one of the top art complexes in Korea, including a 3,000-seat grand theater, a medium-sized theater, a concert hall and galleries. It opened in 1978.
The new CEO, who took the post on Feb. 11, announced four major strategies to rebuild the center into one of the most prestigious performing art venues in Korea.
"The Sejong Center has been out of the limelight for the past few years, which resulted in less loyalty," Lee said. "I will promote the brand of the Sejong Center for its cultural and artistic value, so that citizens can have faith in the quality of performances and exhibits held here."
His plan includes scheduling annual programs in advance and producing more performances with its nine affiliated troupes. To become a true cultural complex, the center has plans to add another concert hall and a black box theater in addition to its current venues.
"An art institution developing values on its own is old-fashioned. The Sejong Center should be more cooperative, collaborating with artists and other related organizations to create value," Lee said.
He will also keep the venue open for the public 365 days a year, offering outdoor exhibitions and educational programs while not hosting performances or exhibitions. In the long term, Lee will develop the neighboring Gwanghwamun area into a cultural hub, connected both above and below ground.
Lee, a graduate of Seoul National University's Department of French Language and Literature, is a veteran in the art management field. He began his career at the Seoul Arts Center, where he stayed until 2001. Lee was an art management professor at Korea National University of Arts and has served as director of Hi Seoul Festival and chairman of the Korean Association of Arts Management.