Park draws unlikely support from arts community

Following is the third in a series of articles on President-elect Park Geun-hye’s key advisers and close associates. ― Ed.


Cultural figures and celebrities across various fields voiced their support for President-elect Park Geun-hye, contributing to her winning the presidential race last week.

Those who publicly supported Park include some prominent figures in the literary circuit such as poet Kim Ji-ha, writers, producers, veteran actors and comedians.

As the culture industry in general shows strong support for liberal candidates, some of the leading cultural figures’ support for Park came as a surprise. 

Poet Kim, who strongly opposed the authoritarian rule of former President Park Chung-hee, the president-elect’s father, and subsequently received a life sentence and was imprisoned several times for his allegedly anti-government activities, also took heat from literary circles for his support for Park.

But insiders say Kim’s support was a result of tenacious efforts by Park, who paid several visits to him during her campaign and expressed appreciation for Kim’s endorsement by posting his supporting remarks on her campaign poster.

Some major producers in performing arts were involved in the drawing up of Park’s cultural policies during her campaign.

Park Myung-sung, president of the musical and play production company Seensee Company, which staged major musicals such as “Aida,” “Chicago” and “Mamma Mia,” acted as a special advisor on culture, preparing Park’s culture and arts policies.

National Theater Association of Korea chairman Park Gye-bae, Eda Entertainment president Sohn Sang-won, and Korea Association of Performing Arts Producers chairman Jeong Hyun-wook joined Park’s campaign.

Among members of Park’s camp, Kim Sung-joo, the chairwoman and CEO of Sungjoo Group and MCM Holdings AG, stood out with her unique style and provocative remarks. Kim is considered one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, turning her accessory line MCM into an international luxury brand.

The Nuri Star, a group of entertainers headed by veteran actor Song Ki-yun, announced their support for Park earlier as well. About 120 celebrities of the group, including veteran comedians Kim Jeong-ryul, Hwang Ki-soon and Kim Jong-guk, singer Hyeon Mi, Hyeon Chul, Seol Un-do and Lee Ju-no, declared their support for Park.

Song Hae, veteran emcee of KBS National Singing Contest, also announced support for Park, introducing her as “the unfortunate person who lost both of her parents to gunshots” who is “devoting her life to her country and people.”

Saenuri lawmakers on the National Assembly’s culture, broadcasting and tourism committee, such as former actress Kim Eul-dong and Park Chang-shik, former president of the movie and drama production agency KimJongHak Production, are also expected to play a considerable role in expanding Park’s network in the cultural sector, according to observers.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)