On June 24, 2025, the Korean National Opera will stage a Cultural Sharing Concert at the Seoul Eastern Detention Center, continuing its mission to bring the arts to diverse audiences.

This event marks another chapter in the organization’s yearly tradition of hosting performances for communities with limited access to cultural experiences. In 2023, the opera company held a special performance at the Suwon City Welfare Center for the Disabled. The following year, in 2024, similar concerts were organized at the Hyeneung Daycare Center in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, the Cheoin Senior Welfare Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, and the Seum Welfare Center in Gangnam, Seoul, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity.

The lineup for the upcoming concert features talented artists from the Opera Studio, including sopranos Lee Mi-young and Kim Hyo-joo, tenor Yoo Shin-hee, mezzo-soprano Kim Sun-hyung, baritone Lee Seung-woo, and bass Kwak Jae-won. Attendees can expect a vibrant program featuring iconic excerpts from operas such as “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” and “Carmen,” alongside beloved Korean songs, offering a blend of global and local artistry.

Choi Sang-ho, director of the Korean National Opera, emphasized the significance of the initiative in an official statement: “The Cultural Sharing Concert provides a meaningful platform to connect more individuals with the emotional depth of opera.” He also revealed plans for the latter half of 2025, which include extending these performances to correctional facilities in locations like Tongyeong and Yeongwol, further broadening the program’s reach.

The Korean National Opera’s efforts to democratize access to opera extend beyond this concert series. Recently, the organization forged a collaboration with the Korean Autism Love Association to enhance cultural engagement for individuals with disabilities, aiming to enrich their lives through artistic participation. Additionally, the company has expanded its international presence, having recently delivered a series of successful concerts in Spain, reinforcing its global cultural influence.

Through these initiatives, the Korean National Opera continues to champion accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts reaches underserved communities while fostering a deeper appreciation for opera both domestically and abroad.