Yu In-chon, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is presenting the appointment certificate to the new chairman of the Seoul Arts Center, Koo Ja-yeol, at the center located in Seocho-gu, Seoul. (Photo provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has appointed Koo Ja-yeol, chairman of the LS Board, as the new chairman of the Seoul Arts Center. The term of the new chairman will last for three years, from February 28, 2025, to February 27, 2028.
Koo Ja-yeol began his career at LG International as a regular employee in 1978 and has been active in the fields of trade and business management for over 40 years. He served as the chairman of the LS Group for eight years starting in 2013, and currently chairs the LS Board. Since 2022, he has also been serving as the chairman of the Korea International Art Fair (Kiaf) Organizing Committee, actively engaging in the cultural and artistic spheres. He also leads various social contribution projects as the chairman of the Songgang Foundation, and has been the editor-in-chief of the travel quarterly ‘Bobodam’ for 15 years.
Yu In-chon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, “Celebrating its 37th anniversary this year, the Seoul Arts Center is a comprehensive cultural space visited by over two million people annually, and is a leading art institution hosting top-level performances and exhibitions in Korea. We expect the new chairman to leverage his rich management experience and deep affection for the arts to help the Seoul Arts Center grow into a global art space.”
The chairman of the Seoul Arts Center is responsible for calling and presiding over board meetings, which determine the main directions of the institution’s operations. The government expects the new chairman’s expertise in management to strengthen the competitiveness of the Seoul Arts Center as an art institution.
Meanwhile, newly appointed chairman Koo Ja-yeol is a graduate of Seoul High School and Korea University’s Business Administration department, and furthered his studies at London Business School. He has received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from Korea University. His main roles have included serving as the chairman of the National Knowledge Industry Association, the founding president of the Korea Cycling Federation, the president of the Korea International Trade Association, and the chairman of the Korea-Arab Society (KAS).