The National Ballet Company Again... Principal Dancer Lee Jae-woo Apologizes for Private Lecture During Self-Quarantine

Lee Jae-woo, Principal Dancer of the National Ballet Company. Photo by National Ballet Company website

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Lee Jae-woo, principal dancer of the National Ballet Company, apologized for attending a private academy special lecture during self-quarantine due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

On the 5th, Lee Jae-woo posted on his Instagram, "I sincerely apologize and feel sorry for causing public concern due to my improper judgment and actions related to the 'private academy special lecture during the National Ballet Company's self-quarantine.'

He added, "I fully acknowledge this, am reflecting deeply, and will practice self-restraint. Once again, I offer my deepest apologies."

The National Ballet Company performed "Swan Lake" at the Daegu Opera House on the 14th and 15th of last month. After a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, all performances were canceled, and after consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, self-quarantine was decided from the 24th of the same month. The official lifting of the quarantine was announced on the 2nd.

However, on the 4th, dance columnist Yoon Dan-woo raised suspicions via social networking services (SNS) that principal dancers Lee Jae-woo and Park Ye-eun, along with soloist Kim Hee-hyun, attended special lectures at a ballet academy located in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul during the self-quarantine period, sparking controversy.

Yoon Dan-woo questioned, "Did the group’s decision to cancel scheduled performances and impose self-quarantine mean that members were free to engage in outside activities?" He pointed out, "With nationwide cases rapidly increasing and deaths occurring, the performing arts community’s activities are shrinking, and freelance artists are struggling to make a living. Do they understand the implications of attending private academy special lectures during self-quarantine?"

Previously, National Ballet Company member Na Da-han caused controversy by traveling to Japan with his girlfriend during the self-quarantine period. Na Da-han posted travel photos on his SNS, which led to criticism, and he subsequently deleted the account. The National Ballet Company issued an apology, and a disciplinary committee meeting regarding Na Da-han is scheduled for the 12th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.