Professor Lee Hae-jun of Hanyang University Appointed as the 14th President of the Korean Modern Dance Association

[Photo by Korean Modern Dance Association]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] Professor Lee Haejun, a modern dance major at Hanyang University (photo), has been inaugurated as the 14th president of the Korea Modern Dance Association, a non-profit organization. The inauguration ceremony was held at 4 p.m. on the 31st of last month at the Ieum Hall of the Korea Disabled Culture and Arts Center in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

President Lee Haejun's term is three years starting from January 1 of this year, with the possibility of reappointment.

Lee Haejun, the new president of the Korea Modern Dance Association, stated that he will focus on ▲ expanding the public nature of the association's projects ▲ strengthening the role of the International Modern Dance Festival as an art platform and production ▲ enhancing financial independence through re-education of modern dance and related industry personnel and creating youth jobs.

President Lee said, "In particular, to expand the 'public nature' of the association's projects, we have started preparations for the 'Seoul Citizens Dance School,' aiming to open in the second half of this year." The Seoul Citizens Dance School is a movement school for Seoul citizens of various ages, from infants to youth and the elderly. The Korea Modern Dance Association stated that through the Seoul Citizens Dance School, it will expand and provide opportunities for Seoul citizens to enjoy diverse cultures and contribute to the development of modern dance majors' capabilities and career diversity.

The new president Lee Haejun gained early recognition as a modern dancer by winning the Gold Prize in the Men's General Division at the 23rd Dong-A Dance Competition in 1993 and the Newcomer Award from the Korea Modern Dance Association in 1995. He was recognized as a choreographer with awards such as the "Young Artist of the Day" on Culture Day from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2001 and the Minister of Culture and Tourism Commendation for "Youth Culture Project through Dance in 2004" in 2005.

He has served as a director of the Korea Modern Dance Association since 2014 and as vice president and chairman of the International Modern Dance Festival (MODAFE) operating committee since 2017, contributing to the development of modern dance. In 2018, he received the KOPANAS Award from the Korea Modern Dance Association. His representative works include "Memories of Blue Horses," the "Butterfly Effect" series, and "Burnout Syndrome."

Alongside President Lee Haejun, Professor Nam Jinhee of Sangmyung University, Professor Lee Yeonsu of Dongduk Women's University, Professor Kang Kyungmo of Kookmin University, Professor Kim Hyungnam of Sejong University, and Professor Shin Changho of Korea National University of Arts will lead the association as the executive board.

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