(Interview) World renowned ballerina Kang Sue-jin

The story of Korean go master Lee Se-dol and artificial intelligence was talked about in the ballet circle.

World renowned ballerina Kang Sue-jin, who has been the arts director at Korean National Ballet for three years, had a press conference at Seoul Arts Center on Wednesday.

Kang told reporters, "I closely watched Lee's game matches and his interview. Artificial intelligence has been advanced in various parts of our society, and I think this has made us realize that arts are valuable to our life. Arts, including ballet, help us not forget that we're a human being."

Kang joined Germany's Stuttgart Ballet as the youngest member when she was 19 years old. Since then, she has lived abroad. She had to go through difficulty for some time due to unfamiliar surroundings since becoming Korean National Ballet arts director in 2014.

"We need time to get accustomed to new surroundings when we come to live in a different country. When I first came to Korea, I had meals at convenient stores in front of my home with my husband because I was too busy. But then my husband started to lose ground, and so we started to eat more healthily. Things have gotten much better now and I enjoy my life here."

This year is her last term in office. Having led the Korean National Ballet comparatively stably for the past two years, she was able to upgrade members' competence. She tried a wide repertoire, going for not only classic ballet but also modern ballet. Last year, she put on stage works members choreographed. "Jolting," the work soloist Kang Hyo-hyung choreographed, was highly praised and was invited to perform at the Stuttgart Opera House in July.

"I'm fulfilled to see how our members have upgraded themselves. I'm happier to see them perform than performing myself. I want to foster next-generation ballerinas and ballerinos. I hope to see these people be better off than me so they can lead Korean ballet."

The Korean National Ballet will perform "La Bayadère" starting from March 30 and will also perform two new works including "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Serenade." Kang will end her career as ballerina after performing Stuttgart Ballet "Onegin" on July 22.

"I'm trying to stay fit since I have one more responsibility as ballerina. As arts director, I want to do my best in the remaining year."

김동욱 기자creating@donga.com