"Insufficient Grounds for Dismissal" Na Daehan, Who Traveled to Japan During Self-Quarantine, Appeals Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary Committee to Reconvene Within 10 Days After Reconsideration Request

Former National Ballet dancer Na Daehan (28), who was dismissed by the National Ballet for violating self-quarantine measures amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), has filed an appeal against the disciplinary decision. Photo by Na Daehan Instagram

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Na Daehan (28), a former member of the National Ballet Company who was dismissed for violating self-quarantine measures amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), has filed an appeal against the disciplinary decision.

On the 30th, the National Ballet Company stated, "Na Daehan, through his lawyer, filed an appeal on the 27th claiming that the dismissal was unfair." Once an appeal is filed, the disciplinary committee must reconvene within 10 days.

Na Daehan reportedly filed the appeal stating that "the grounds for dismissal are insufficient." According to the National Ballet Company's regulations, members who receive disciplinary action from the disciplinary committee can file an appeal within 14 days.

The disciplinary committee for the appeal is currently scheduled to be held around April 10.

Previously, after performing "Swan Lake" at the Daegu Opera House on the 14th and 15th of last month, the National Ballet Company decided to impose a one-week self-quarantine for all members from the 24th of last month to the 1st of this month as a preventive and protective measure due to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions. All scheduled performances were also canceled.

However, during this period, Na Daehan traveled to Japan with his girlfriend and posted photos on his social networking service (SNS), causing controversy.

As a result, the National Ballet Company issued an apology on the 2nd and dismissed Na Daehan at the subsequent disciplinary committee meeting.

The National Ballet Company expressed deep regret over the incident, stating, "We deeply reflect once again on causing controversy as a national organization during a critical time for the country due to COVID-19," and added, "We will take this incident as an opportunity to reform the National Ballet Company."

Although the disciplinary committee will reconvene, it is known that the decision is unlikely to be overturned. This is because the appeal disciplinary committee members are the same as the previous committee, including Artistic Director Kang Sujin, the National Ballet Company Secretary-General, board members, and auditors.

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

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