The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has named conductor Han-Na Chang as the new president of the Seoul Arts Center. This decision marks a historic milestone for the institution. Since its establishment in 1987, the centre has never been led by a woman with a musical background. Minister Choi Hwi-young confirmed the appointment on Monday morning. Chang is expected to begin her three-year term as early as 24 April after finalising her arrival schedule.

Han-Na Chang is a globally recognised figure in the classical music world. She first gained international fame in 1994 when she won the Grand Prix at the 5th Rostropovich International Cello Competition at the age of 11. Over her 32-year career, she has performed as a cellist and conductor with prestigious groups such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic. These high-level collaborations have helped increase the global profile of South Korean classical music.

In recent years, Chang has transitioned her focus toward conducting and education. She has led numerous orchestras across Europe and North America since 2007. Her domestic leadership roles include serving as Artistic Director for major festivals in Seongnam and Daejeon. Most recently, she joined the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology as a Visiting Distinguished Professor in late 2025. Her appointment is seen as a way to integrate her vast international network into the local arts scene.

Minister Choi Hwi-young believes her professional history makes her the ideal candidate for the role. “Conductor Han-na Chang possesses a deep understanding and insight into the performing arts as a whole, based on her rich field experience and leadership accumulated over 32 years as a world-class performer and conductor, as well as her network of exchanges with global music organizations and musicians,” he said. He further explained his vision for the future of the institution under her guidance. “At this critical juncture where ‘K-Culture’ is expanding globally, I expect Conductor Han-na Chang to present a new artistic vision for the Seoul Arts Center, the representative platform for Korea’s basic arts, and lead it to a new leap forward.”