Following the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s announcement of its plan to establish an integrated secretariat to manage five national arts organizations, opposition is growing among cultural civil organizations and national arts institutions.
On Friday, Cultural Action, a civic organization dedicated to culture, called for an immediate withdrawal of the plan, stating that it is being unilaterally pushed forward without discussions or public discourse within the arts community, raising significant concerns and exposing critical issues.
The organization argued that the integration fails to consider the distinct administrative and artistic structures of each institution, potentially leading to inefficiency, confusion and restrictions on artistic autonomy rather than fostering meaningful collaboration.
Additionally, Cultural Action highlighted several unresolved practical concerns, including the lack of a dedicated performance venue, differences in operational structures, and budget allocation issues.
On Thursday, the Korean Dance Critics Association also formally opposed the plan, warning that the integration would “clearly lead to a regression in arts and culture.” The association called the proposal abrupt, inefficient and a threat to artistic autonomy, urging for public discussions on governance reforms and greater transparency in the ministry’s decision-making process.
Their oppositions follows the MCST’s Feb. 19 announcement of its intention to establish an Integrated Secretariat within the first half of this year to oversee the administration of five national arts organizations: the Korean National Opera, National Chorus of Korea, Korean National Symphony Orchestra, Korea National Ballet, and Korea National Contemporary Dance Company. The ministry claims that integration will enhance administrative efficiency and provide specialized support, allowing these organizations to focus on artistic excellence.
However, opposition to the plan is also growing within the five national arts organizations.
On Feb. 24, four of the five institutions — excluding the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, which currently lacks a director — submitted a joint statement to the MCST opposing the integration. The statement reportedly criticizes the rushed process and argues that it fails to consider the unique characteristics and needs of each organization.
Also on Feb. 24, the Korean National Ballet’s board rejected the ministry’s proposed amendment to its articles of association, a key step in the integration process. This move was highly unusual, as national arts organizations typically comply with MCST directives due to the ministry’s influence over their governance structures.
The main point of contention centers around proposed changes to board member terms, which would grant the MCST greater control over board transitions within the newly integrated system.
Additionally, it has been reported that members of the Korean National Ballet have conveyed their opposition to the integration of their labor union.
Regarding concerns that the integration of boards could undermine the organizations' independence, the ministry emphasized that each organization will maintain its name and identity, and their respective directors, who also serve as artistic directors, will be able to focus more on their core artistic activities.
The ministry’s plan is part of a new long-term cultural policy called Vision 2035 set to be unveiled next month.
gypark@heraldcorp.com
