Young ballerino promoted to KNB's principal dancer

Lee Jae-woo

By Kwon Ji-youn

Kang Sue-jin, director of the Korean National Ballet (KNB), has promoted Lee Jae-woo, a soloist ballerino, or soloist, to principal dancer, the highest rank within a professional ballet company.

The decision is unprecedented in a number of ways. Kang made the announcement right after the season’s “Swan Lake” performance, with the audience still seated. This is the first time a promotion has been made public on stage.

It is also unconventional to promote a soloist to principal dancer without promoting him or her to grand soloist first.

“It’s like a dream come true,” said Lee, 24. “I’ve got to try harder now.”

Lee, who studied at the Korea National University of Arts, is the tallest ballerino in the company, standing 195 centimeters tall. According to a KNB official, Lee’s technique is close to perfect, and his acting is remarkable.

While relatively short, his resume has been marked by impressive achievements. From 2009 to 2011, he won two silvers and a gold at the Dong-A Dance Competition, and in 2010 won a silver in the junior ballet category at the Seoul International Dance Competition. He joined the KNB in 2009, and in 2011 made his leading-role debut as the prince in the “Nutcracker.”