Culture ministry to foster aspiring artists across various fields

Culture Minister Yu In-chon speaks during an inauguration ceremony for this year's National Art Organization Young Adult Fostering Program at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Yu In-chon, minister of culture, sports and tourism, said Friday that the government is fully committed to supporting young artists, pledging to provide them with the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive.

"We're living in a time where we truly cannot predict what kind of environment we'll be in or what kind of art we'll be creating five or 10 years from now in all fields … Because of these environmental changes, we will encounter new forms of art that we never imagined in all fields in the next five to 10 years," the minister told young artists gathered at Seoul’s National Theater of Korea.

This declaration came during the ceremony for the culture ministry's 2025 National Art Organization Young Adult Fostering Program, a significant initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent in the nation's various cultural fields.

The program was first launched last year with 350 young artists taking part. Garnering high interest with 2,684 applicants this year, the program expanded to 542 participants.

The selected applicants will receive training through designated organizations and monthly stipends to help them pursue their dreams as they prepare for their final performances at the end of the program later this year.

The participants were selected from nine organizations: Korea National Opera, The National Chorus of Korea, Korean National Symphony Orchestra, Korean National Ballet, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, National Theater Company of Korea, Jeongdong Theater, National Gugak Center and National Theater of Korea.

The minister noted that the role of emerging artists is “all the more important” these days, driven by rapidly advancing technological development.

“Since technological development is advancing at a much faster pace than we are now, you are in the middle of this chaotic and unpredictable period of change. That's why I believe your role is all the more important … I expect you to grow into wonderful, respected and excellent artists, and we will try our best to support you throughout this year,” Yu said.

Soprano Kim Soo-yeon, who also participated in the program last year, said it helped her grow and enhance her capabilities through quality education and performances.

"[Training] at the national arts organization, I was able to enhance my capabilities by experiencing quality education and performances,” Kim said. “Building on my previous experience, I will approach my education with greater maturity and do my best to continue delivering emotion and inspiration through choral music.”