Now In Korea
Conductor Myung-Whun Chung Appointed KBS Symphony Music Director as Funding Questions Loom
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Myung-Whun Chung (age 72) will serve as music director of the KBS Symphony Orchestra for three years starting next year, a move expected to boost the orchestra’s profile after his successful guest collaborations. Chung, who also leads Classic Busan (Busan Concert Hall and Busan Opera House) and will assume music directorship at La Scala in Milan (starting 2027), said he will focus on the three posts despite concerns about multiple roles. Chung first conducted the orchestra’s predecessor (the National Symphony) in 1972 at age 19 and has a long history with KBS Symphony.
The orchestra’s finances remain fragile. When the ensemble became a foundation in 2012, KBS agreed to provide about 10.8 billion won annually through 2025, but support was cut in recent years after changes to broadcast-law rules and TV license fee (TV 수신료) collection (separate billing). KBS funding fell from 9.95 billion won last year to about 9.2–9.3 billion won this year. Increased ticketed and invited-performance revenue after Chung’s return helped lift total income from roughly 1.5–2 billion won to about 5 billion won.
KBS executives say a new support agreement will continue at a similar level next year while the broadcaster stabilizes finances and seeks more efficient operations. Commentators stress that, as a public broadcaster orchestra, the KBS Symphony plays an important role in widening access to classical music and should receive a clear, long-term funding plan from KBS. (KBS교향악단: KBS Symphony Orchestra)
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