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Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: Dancing Mongryong, Russian dancer steps into Korea's most romantic role in 'Chunhayng'
Igor Kontarev becomes 4th foreigner to perform as Mongryong in Universal Ballet's 'The Love of Chunhyang' In ballet, there is Prince Siegfried in 'Swan Lake,' Romeo in 'Romeo and Juliet' and, in Universal Ballet's repertoire, there is Mongryong in 'The Love of Chunhyang.' This weekend, Russian-born ballerino Igor Kontarev will step into one of Korea's most beloved folkloric roles, as the company brings its signature reinterpretation of the classic tale. The production returns to the stage for the first time in three years, with the soloist making history as only the fourth foreign dancer to take on the role. 'I was really surprised, first of all, because I'm a foreigner, and not many foreigners do this,' Kontarev said in an interview with The Korea Herald on Tuesday. 'I know it's a really big responsibility to do this kind of role which is so important for Korean culture and for Korean audiences.' Premiered in 2007, 'The Love of Chunhyang' brings the beloved folktale of Chunhyang, the daughter of a courtesan, and Mongryong, the son of a local aristocrat, into ballet set to Tchaikovsky's music. It is choreographed by Universal Ballet's artistic director Liu Bingxian, who is also known for 'Sim Chung' and 'Korean Emotion.' Having been with the company for nearly a decade, Kontarev was already familiar with the story. But preparing to step into Mongryong's shoes meant delving deeper into its cultural nuances. He said it was interesting to observe how the choreography reflected family dynamics across different social classes. 'The difference between Mongryong with his father and Chunhyang with her mother stood out to me. Mongryong is more calm with his father, always faces him, shows respect and bows with courtesy — which I think he was taught from a very young age. And Chunhyang feels more free with her mother.' Taking on the role has also meant intensive rehearsals and hours in the studio. A key part of the process, Kontarev said, was adapting to the unique stylistic features of Korean folk aesthetics embedded in the choreography. 'One of the biggest advantages was to learn firsthand from the choreographer Liu himself. And I'm really thankful for Hyang-gee (who plays Chunghyang). They gave me time to take in the different style,' he said. The ballet features three pas de deux between Chunhyang and Mongryong — each one mapping the couple's emotional journey, from the tender thrill of their first night together to the heartbreak of separation and, finally, their highly emotional reunion. Kontarev said the final duet was his favorite. 'It starts from the moment when Chunhyang drops into Mongryong's arms and he doesn't understand what happened to her. He first feels guilt, sorrow because this happened because of him,' he said. 'This is the highest emotional moment in the piece with all different emotions: joy and happiness and everything here. Even in practice, the emotion sometimes goes over your body, over your muscles.' What he can say for certain is that he cannot wait to meet the audience on stage. That, he says, is when the real art begins. 'When you touch the stage, when you see the audience, you understand what the art of ballet truly is,' he said. 'It's not just hard physical work — it then becomes art the moment you meet the audience, with the lights, the set, everything. You have to be inside the story.' So, he's leaving it to the audience to decide how he did. 'We are dancers but and actors, too. Sometimes, we have to show something we haven't felt yet,' he said. 'But the more I dance, the more deeply I understand the character. So let the audience see that, and let them be the judge.' 'The Love of Chunhyang' runs from Friday to Sunday at the Seoul Arts Center. Kontarev performs at 2 p.m. on Saturday alongside principal dancer Hong Hyang-gee. The production will travel to Daegu for performances on June 20 and 21.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The Sound of Chunhyang Opens the World' - The 95th Namwon Chunhyang Festival to Kick Off on April 30
NAMWON, KOREA, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Motivated by the Joseon Dynasty's Chunhyang love story, the festival sees a growing number of foreign visitors engaging in K-culture oldest traditional regional festival, soon to mark its 100th anniversary, aims to attract 2 million visitors. A classic Korean love story comparable to "Romeo and Juliet" is now gaining global attention as a cultural festival celebrating K-culture experiences. The spotlight is on the Chunhyang Festival, held in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province, the hometown of love and tradition. The name 'Chunhyang' in the festival comes from the heroine of "The Tale of Chunhyang," a traditional Korean love story handed down from the Joseon Dynasty, symbolizing love and fidelity. The story has been reinterpreted with a modern sensibility and transformed into a regional cultural festival enjoyed by people of all ages. The Namwon Chunhyang Festival, which began in 1931 and celebrates its 95th edition this year, is the oldest regional festival in Korea and one of the most beloved traditional cultural events. Selected as an outstanding festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and ranked first in the traditional arts category, it has grown into a nationally recognized regional event. Last year, it welcomed 1.2 million visitors, positioning itself as a global festival that draws international attention. The 95th Chunhyang Festival will take place from April 30 to May 6 across Namwon's Gwanghallu Garden and the Yocheon Stream area. Under the theme "The Sound of Chunhyang Opens the World," the festival will feature 100 diverse programs in anticipation of its centennial anniversary. Chunhyang Festival Connecting Past, Present, and the World Through Sound This year's main concept of Chunhyang Festival is 'sound'. A variety of musical performances will be presented to allow people from around the world to relate and enjoy together. Aspiring to become a high-quality global music festival, the event will be organized around three themes: the Sound of Korea, the Sound of the World, and the Sound of Fusion. Highlights include a 300-member civic choir, traditional Korean music performances, international ensemble exchanges, a K-pop dance competition, and the Chunhyang Ball. These diverse performances will be staged throughout Namwon, with nightly shows at Gwanghalluwon Garden offering unforgettable moments. As the festival is centered on the theme of sound, there will also be performances by band music teams that can communicate with various generations beyond Korean national music. On May 5 and 6, the outdoor stage at Love Square will host the national band contest "Let PungROCK Resound!" Featuring a mix of intense genres like rock, metal, and punk with smoother ones like blues and jazz, the contest will provide citizens and visitors with a rich musical experience. Throughout the week, the "One Day Spring Dream Concert" will showcase modern Korean traditional music alongside pop artists. Each day will feature performances by pop singers, international artists, music bands, and orchestras, captivating audiences with both sight and sound. Immersive Korean Traditional Culture Experiences in Hanbok Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire that gained global fame through BTS and BLACKPINK's music video and performances, is now a must-do experience for international visitors. With its graceful colors, patterns, and textures, Hanbok rental is available throughout the Chunhyang Festival for guests to fully immerse themselves in Korean culture. During the week of the Chunhyang Festival, event staff members wear traditional hanbok to greet visitors. Visitors, too, can freely walk around the festival grounds dressed in hanbok of their choice, which they can personally select and rent, fully immersing themselves in the atmosphere of traditional Korean culture. Not only foreign visitors but also numerous citizens of all ages enjoy the festival programs wearing hanbok. Throughout the festival grounds, photo zones are set up where visitors dressed in hanbok can take commemorative photos, capturing the memorable moments of the Chunhyang Festival. Hanbok wearers can also take part in various cultural programs for a deeper experience. At Gwanghalluwon Garden, visitors can participate in tea ceremonies using prepared tea leaves, spinning a bowl games, traditional cup and ball games, and enjoy master performances at the historic Gwanghallu Pavilion, a National Treasure No. 281. The comedic "Pumba" performances in the canola flower fields will allow participants to special experience Chunhyang's world firsthand. Popular programs such as the "Daedong Street Performance" street parade and "Hanbok Ball" will also be held. The Daedong Street Performance parade, themed after the Tale of Chunhyang, features citizen participation along with special international performers, taekwondo demonstrations, and police motorcycle parades, offering a vibrant spectacle. With people of all ages and nationalities joining the parade, the entire city of Namwon will be filled with music and excitement. Namwon's multilingual tourism information system will help all visitors enjoy the festival with ease. A Feast for the Five Senses: Family Zone, Camping Zone, and Food Zone Evolving from a traditional cultural festival to a global event nearing its 100th year, the Chunhyang Festival will feature a dedicated "Family Zone" at Love Square, ensuring convenience for families with young children. The Family Zone includes amusement rides, various performance programs, food trucks, and amenities. Popular attractions like air bouncers, Viking rides, and disco pang-pang, along with circus acts, bubble shows, and magic shows, will keep families entertained. Finger food-friendly food trucks and comfortable rest areas, including nursing rooms, are also provided. Four free shuttle bus routes will be in operation for easier access to the venue, running every 20 minutes from 10 AM to 11 PM. To accommodate the expected surge in visitors, car camping and camping zones will be established in six areas, including Yocheon Eco Park and Geumam Park, accommodating up to 340 vehicles including caravans and passenger cars. A wide variety of foods made using local specialties will also be available. A barbecue zone, a traditional food court, and a food truck zone within the Family Zone will be in operation, and visitors will also be able to enjoy cocktails made with Namwon's traditional liquor at various spots throughout the venue. In particular, the traditional food court operated directly by local residents offers a chance to experience and savor the diverse flavors of K-Food that has recently captured the taste buds of people around the world. Nights Brighter Than Days: Night Views, Music, and Fireworks The nights of the Chunhyang Festival shine even brighter than the days. A 3-hectare field of canola flowers along the Yocheon Stream sets the backdrop for breathtaking sunsets and golden blooms. With scenic lighting and photo zones, visitors can also enjoy the canola flower field at night. Traditional Korean lanterns, Cheongsachorong, placed throughout Namwon, will cast a warm glow, symbolizing love and hope. The fireworks at the festival's opening and closing ceremonies will add a spectacular finale, leaving lasting memories of this spring's most special moments. Media contact Organization: Chunhyang Contact: Park Jungna Email: jra0381@ Phone: 010-7674-0381 Website: in to access your portfolio
