Kang Sue-jin to head Korean National Ballet

Korean-born ballerina Kang Sue-jin, who currently dances as one of the principals with the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany, has been appointed the new director of the Korean National Ballet, according to the Culture Ministry. Her term starts next year.

Kang, considered one of the most acclaimed Korean dancers, has been dancing with the German troupe since 1986. She was promoted to principal in 1997. The 46-year-old won numerous prestigious awards, including the Prix de Lausanne in 1985 and the Prix Benois de la Danse in 1999.

Founded in 1962, the Korean National Ballet is one of the two leading ballet troupes in the country, along with the Universal Ballet Company.

The troupe’s former principal dancer Kim Joo-won is the winner of the Prix Benois de la Danse in 2006. Its repertoire includes “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “La Bayadere.” Choi Tae-ji, the company’s outgoing director who is considered the main driving force of its success, served in the position from 1996 to 2001, and was appointed again in 2008.

Kang published her first memoir written in Korean, “I Don’t Wait for Tomorrow” in January this year.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)