Hanlim Looks to Offer Lifeline to Budding Stars
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
Hanlim Multi Art School, Korea's first-ever high school specializing in entertainment and arts, has pledged to continue developing youngsters who dream of stardom.
For founder Lee Hyun-man reckons the Korean education system allows too many young people with thespian talent to slip through the net.
``Many people still have biased views on young students who dance and play pop music, so many of those students have difficulties in adapting themselves to normal high school life and some of them quit studying or are forced to leave school,'' Lee said in an interview with The Korea Times.
``However, if you get closer to them, you can find they are very creative and smart. They are not failures. Rather, our society fails to educate them in public education. Our school is to help them become well-rounded entertainers.''
Consisting of three departments that cover entertainment and both musical and practical dance, the three-year school opened last March with 200 students in Songpa-gu in southern Seoul.
It targets singers, actors, dancers and musicians and aims to equip them with the practical skills and know-how to make it in the entertainment industry.
Rather than focus on academic records, Hanlim selects students based on only their talent and passion.
But Lee stressed that the school will produce well-rounded individuals ― not mere entertainers.
``Many people think youngsters seeking to become dancers, singers or actors might be inferior and problematic students. This is prejudice. Our school will take a leading role in removing those biased ideas by producing excellent graduates,'' he said.
Currently enrolled students appear convinced of Hanlim's merits.
Shin Seo-kyung, whose father encouraged her to attend the school, said, ``I want to be a musical actress. The curricula my school offers is exactly what I was looking for.''
The 16-year-old, a student in the music department, said she dreams of one day becoming a world-famous actress.
Kim Jae-kwon, 17, told how he felt limited while he attended a regular high school.
``Teachers used to reprimand me because I wanted to dance when I was attending a normal high school,'' said the practical dance student.
``But this school gives me places to dance and the teachers here are encouraging me to do my best for my dream.''
Fees at Hanlim are around 950,000 won for three months, slightly less than other arts-focused high schools.
But students aren't faced with the prospect of spending extra on private lessons, with the school offering after-class programs.
Hanlim also helps set up auditions with entertainment agencies.
Founder Lee, also chairman of the Hanlim school foundation, has devoted most of life to educating the underprivileged.
The foundation has been running schools for people who didn't receive an elementary or secondary school education since 1960.
Its life-long education centers were the first to provide state-licensed diplomas to late learners.