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Celebrated conductor and cellist Chang Han-na takes on leadership of Seoul Arts Center

Published: 24 Apr. 2026, 12:31

Newly appointed CEO of the Seoul Arts Center Chang Han-na, right, poses for a photograph with Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young in central Seoul on April 24. [MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM]

Cellist-turned-conductor Chang Han-na on Friday began her three-year term as president and CEO of the Seoul Arts Center, a major state-run cultural institution.

Chang officially assumed the role after receiving her appointment certificate from Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced her appointment early this month.

"I have a clear vision of what role this institution should play in fulfilling its founding spirit and the direction it should take," she said while meeting with reporters after the ceremony.

"I will try my best to fulfill the vision for this institution, drawing on 32 years of experience performing and traveling abroad," she said. "While the three-year term may be short, I think it is also time enough for me to lay firm ground for this vision to materialize."

She vowed to maintain close ties with staff members, listen to their concerns and do her utmost to strengthen the institution, where she first took the stage at the age of nine.

The celebrated musician made her international debut as a cellist at age 11, winning the Grand Prix at the 1994 Rostropovich International Cello Competition in Paris. She has gone on to forge a multifaceted career as a cellist, conductor and artistic director.

Yonhap