| Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra music director Chung Myung-whun in the rehearsal room at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts / Yonhap |
By Kwon Ji-youn
On Friday evening at the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra's (SPO) Beethoven concert at Seoul Arts Center, a slideshow filled with images reflecting maestro Chung Myung-whun's ten years with the SPO was screened following its performance of Beethoven's "Seventh Symphony." It was a surprise the members had prepared in response to the reports that Chung had decided not to renew his contract as music director of the nation's top orchestra.
In an interview with the local newspaper Chosun Ilbo published Friday, Chung expressed his intent to step down as music director of the orchestra based in Seoul when his current contract expires at the end of the year. He did not specify a reason in the short interview, but added he will conduct the concerts already scheduled for 2016.
"The money I will receive from the orchestra will go towards the SPO's development, UNICEF and other charities," he said.
The announcement comes amid police investigation into suspicions that Chung embezzled more than 50 million won ($45,000) while he was employed as the music director of the SPO for the past decade.
The investigation is based on a petition filed by conservative activists last month, which claims that he diverted 54 million won of taxpayers' money for personal use.
The maestro has said in earlier interviews that he is sick of hearing people say he has been embezzling tax money and stressed that he has been making money for the orchestra.
Chung also said earlier this year that he will only renew his contract with the SPO if the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) promises to build a music hall for the SPO, as well as provide its wholehearted support. New SPO CEO Choe Heung-sik told reporters Friday that he believes if the SMG gives Chung a good reason to stay, he might reconsider. This includes a new hall and budget re-appropriation, he said.
The report of Chung's willingness to resign comes as the orchestra takes steps to normalize and stabilize its operations.
Choe, the former head of Hana Financial Group, took office on July 1 as the orchestra's CEO and president, an appointment that came six months after former CEO Park Hyun-jung stepped down following alleged misconduct.
The SPO is recovering from friction that ensued last year surrounding Park's mistreatment of employees. Seventeen employees of the SPO's administrative department issued a press release in December 2014 requesting her removal and an internal investigation into her conduct.
Park claimed Chung was behind such a petition and accused the maestro of abusing his privileges. Park was cleared of all charges on Aug. 11 due to a lack of evidence.
The SPO confirmed in a statement late Friday evening that Chung has indeed expressed wishes to resign as music director of the SPO so that he can focus on his music.
But it added that the decision has yet to be finalized. Choe said talks between Chung and the Seoul Metropolitan Government will wrap up in September, and stressed he will work to change the maestro's mind before then.