Korea National Opera director steps down
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Han Ye-jin bows during her first press conference as Korean National Opera director at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 3. / Yonhap
By Yun Suh-young
The recently appointed general director of Korea National Opera (KNO) Han Ye-jin stepped down Tuesday, only 53 days since inauguration.
Han, who had been appointed on Jan. 2, had faced criticism and opposition from opera-related organizations even before she began her term. They claimed that she lacked professionalism and experience in the field. Seven opera-related organizations had formed an emergency committee to oppose her inauguration.
Han’s decision, however, comes as an abrupt announcement as she had been adamant about keeping her post despite resistance from these organizations.
Through a press release Tuesday, Han said she decided not to cling on to the position.
“My family was hurt by the way I was portrayed in the media without being given any opportunity to test my qualifications through the job,” said Han.
“I could not but ask myself why I had to remain in this position and whether I wanted to.”
With Han’s resignation, the post will be vacant for the second time for an uncertain amount of period until the next director is appointed. The position was vacant for nine months until Han took over former director Kim Ui-jun who abruptly resigned in March last year.
The culture ministry has not issued an official position on Han’s resignation.
Han plans to return to stage after taking a break.
“I don’t believe that the people who opposed me represent the entire voice of the opera community,” she said.
Han studied at G. Verdi Conservatorio di Milano and performed as a professional opera singer in Europe and Japan. She is a visiting professor at Sangmyung University.