The Royal Ballet returns to Korea after 20 years with gala of classical, contemporary works
The Royal Ballet, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, is in Seoul this week for gala performances featuring both classical and contemporary works.
Marking the company’s first visit to Seoul in 20 years, the Royal Ballet director Kevin O’Hare — who came to Seoul two decades ago as a dancer — said he was thrilled to be back.
“We are delighted to be here and to share the very best of ballet with you,” he said during a press event at the LG Arts Center in western Seoul, Wednesday. “The program is full of excerpts from some of our greatest works, all part of our repertoire — it’s really a snapshot of what we do.”
Due to tight performance schedules in London, the Royal Ballet doesn’t often travel outside the U.K. This year, the company is touring only in Korea and Italy.
The gala performance, which will take place Friday through Sunday at the LG Arts Center, features a blend of timeless classics and contemporary pieces. Audiences can expect highlights from famous works, such as "Swan Lake," "Don Quixote," "Romeo and Juliet" and "Giselle," alongside modern works such as "Asphodel Meadows," "After the Rain," "Anemoi" and "Spells."
Choreographed by Royal Ballet first soloist Joshua Junker, "Spells" will have its world premiere in Seoul, with Junker himself performing in the piece.
Known for balancing classical tradition with choreographic innovation, the Royal Ballet has nurtured world-renowned choreographers such as Valentino Zucchetti, Liam Scarlett and Christopher Wheeldon.
“We're always encouraging new choreography,” O’Hare said. “It’s very important to us — it’s the lifeblood of the company to keep creating.”
The Royal Ballet’s visit was made possible by the LG Arts Center, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
"I'm really happy that after bringing the Paris Opera Ballet in 2023, we’re able to introduce another top-tier ballet company to Korean audiences — the Royal Ballet from the U.K.," said Lee Hyun-jung, director of the LG Arts Center.
Royal Ballet's Korean male dancer Jun Joon-hyuk / Courtesy of LG Arts Center
A highlight of the gala will be the participation of four Korean dancers currently with the company.
First soloist Jun Joon-hyuk is expected to perform in "Swan Lake" and "Don Quixote," while fellow first soloist Choe Yu-hui will appear in "Asphodel Meadows." Dancer Kim Bo-min will perform in "Swan Lake" and "Don Quixote" and Park Han-na will be seen in "Swan Lake" and "Anemoi."
Jun, who joined the Royal Ballet in 2017, became the first Korean male dancer to join the company. Last year, he made headlines again by becoming a first soloist — a title that often takes decades to attain.
Asked about life as a first soloist, Jun said he appreciates having more time to care for his body.
Choe expressed her gratitude to the company for supporting her continued career after becoming a mother of two.
The Royal Ballet’s tour marks the beginning of a busy month for Korean ballet fans. From July 19 to 27, Korea's Universal Ballet will present "Swan Lake" at the Seoul Arts Center, followed by a gala performance by the Paris Opera Ballet from July 30 to Aug. 1 at the same venue.