Veteran Director Son Jin-chaek Elected Next Chair of National Academy of Arts; Poet Shin Dal-ja Named Vice Chair
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Son Jin-chaek (81), a veteran theatre director, has been elected chair of the National Academy of Arts (대한민국예술원) at the institution’s 76th general meeting. Shin Dal-ja (82), a celebrated poet, was named vice chair. Their two-year terms begin next month on December 20, 2025 and run through December 19, 2027. The Academy, founded in 1954 under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, supports distinguished senior artists and promotes artistic creation; it has a membership cap of 100 and currently has 81 members. Son, leader of the theatre company Michu, debuted in 1974 and has directed many works including traditional courtyard plays (마당극) and opera; he led major national events such as the 2002 Korea–Japan World Cup opening ceremony and the 2008 presidential inauguration, and has served in leadership roles at Seoul Arts Center and the National Theatre. Shin debuted as a poet in 1964, has published several collections, and received major literary awards including the Manhae Prize and the Order of Cultural Merit (Silver Crown).
