Gangdong Cultural Foundation Presents Arts Performances for All Generations, Featuring Jooumi Cho and "GinGin Night"

Held at Gangdong Arts Center's Main and Small Theaters in May and June

On May 6, the Gangdong Cultural Foundation in Seoul (CEO Kim Youngho) announced that it will offer a variety of programs in celebration of Family Month, including pansori music drama, orchestra concerts, vocal performances, Korean traditional dance, and exhibitions.

Sumi Jo 40th Anniversary World Stage Debut Concert. Provided by Gangdong-gu.

The pansori music drama "GinGin Night" will be performed at Small Theater Dream on May 8 at 7:30 p.m. and May 9 at 3:00 p.m. Based on the fairy tale by author Luri, which has sold 700,000 copies, this original music drama combines traditional pansori and theatrical elements. The cast includes pansori singer Lee Seunghee, actor Lee Sanghong, drummer Lee Hyangha, and musician Lee Yujun. The production company Ipkwason Studio is a creative pansori troupe that has performed on international stages in Poland, Mexico, and France.

On the same day, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the main theater Hangang, the foundation's resident group, Millennium Symphony Orchestra, will hold the "Ghibli & Disney OST Concert." Under the direction of conductor Choi Youngsun, musical actor Lim Kyuhyung, soprano Lee Sangeun, and saxophonist Cho Sehyung will perform. The concert will feature hit songs from animations such as "My Neighbor Totoro," "Howl's Moving Castle," "The Lion King," and "Aladdin." This event is part of the "2026 Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture Resident Company Support Project."

On May 13 at the main theater Hangang, soprano Jooumi Cho will celebrate the 40th anniversary of her global stage debut with a commemorative concert. Jooumi Cho will return to the Gangdong Arts Center stage for the first time in 14 years since 2012. She will present works from her 40th-anniversary album as well as operatic pieces by Bizet, Falla, and Gliere, and perform "Arirang Cantabile" and "What a Wonderful World," among others.

On May 15 at the main theater Hangang, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will hold a free performance titled "Our Neighborhood Orchestra." The orchestra will perform Beethoven's "Egmont Overture," Mozart's "Violin Concerto No. 5," and Beethoven's "Symphony No. 7." The concert will be conducted by Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra's associate conductor Song Mingyu, with violinist Han Jiyeon featured as a soloist.

On June 19 and 20, the main theater Hangang will host the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre's "Mimesis" as a special 15th-anniversary production for the foundation. This work reinterprets eight types of traditional Korean dance in a contemporary style and sold out all seats during its premiere at the Sejong Center last year. Traditional dances such as Gyobangmu, Salpuri, and Seungmu will be performed with live Korean traditional music.

From June 4 to August 23, the Gangdong Arts Center’s Artrang will feature the Giuseppe Vitale Original Art Exhibition "The World of Animals: Mondo Animale." The exhibition focuses on new works by Italian picture book artist Giuseppe Vitale, presenting pieces that view humanity and society from the perspective of animals. The show includes original drawings from picture books, paintings, media art, and sculptures, along with hands-on content and creative educational programs. During the summer vacation period, special programs featuring the artist are also planned.

Kim Youngho, CEO of the Gangdong Cultural Foundation, stated, "This program has been planned so that families can enjoy culture and the arts together in celebration of Family Month," adding, "We will continue to enhance the value of local culture and the arts through diverse performances and exhibitions that span generations."

Pansori Musical Drama The Long Night. Provided by Gangdong District.

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