[Summary] National Ballet Company Fires Na Daehan for 'Traveling to Japan During Self-Quarantine'... First Time Since Founding

The National Ballet Company has decided to dismiss Na Daehan for violating self-quarantine measures intended to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus by traveling abroad. Photo by Na Daehan Instagram

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] The National Ballet of Korea has decided to dismiss Na Daehan for traveling abroad during the self-quarantine period mandated due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is the first time since the founding of the National Ballet that a member has been dismissed as a disciplinary action.

On the 16th, the National Ballet held an internal disciplinary committee meeting and announced the disciplinary results for Na Daehan and other members who violated the self-quarantine orders.

Na Daehan, who caused controversy by traveling to Japan during the self-quarantine period, received the highest level of disciplinary action: dismissal.

Previously, after performing "Swan Lake" in Daegu on the 14th and 15th of last month, the National Ballet decided to impose a two-week self-quarantine on all members as COVID-19 infections rapidly increased in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions. All scheduled performances were also canceled.

However, it was later revealed that Na Daehan violated the self-quarantine order by traveling to Japan with his girlfriend, drawing public criticism. Na Daehan posted travel photos on his social networking service (SNS) but deleted the account after the controversy arose.

In an interview with a media outlet, Na Daehan apologized, saying, "Right now, no words are appropriate. I am sorry."

Apology from the National Ballet Company / Photo by National Ballet Company Official Website Capture

As the controversy grew, the National Ballet issued an apology on its official website on the 2nd, stating, "We apologize for causing concern to the public due to this unfortunate incident amid a nationally chaotic atmosphere."

They added, "The National Ballet will take strict measures, including disciplinary action against the member in question, following internal procedures," and promised to prevent recurrence. Along with this incident, the National Ballet also canceled all scheduled performances in March.

Regarding the disciplinary action, the National Ballet stated, "We deeply reflect once again on causing trouble as a national organization during a critical time due to COVID-19," and "We will take this incident as an opportunity to reform the National Ballet."

Meanwhile, Na Daehan, a graduate of the Practical Dance Department at Korea National University of Arts, gained recognition by appearing on the 2018 Mnet entertainment program "Somebody" and became a full member of the National Ballet last year.

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