MOSCOW — Korean soloists were invited to perform lead roles in a Bolshoi Ballet performance, and it seems the unprecedented event may be more than a one-time gesture of friendly diplomacy.

"We hope to continue the artistic exchange with the Korea National Ballet Company," Anatoly Iksanov, general director of the Bolshoi Theater, told Korean reporters last week, expressing a special affinity for Korea.

On Oct. 7 and 8, nine KNBC soloists performed in Yuri Grigorovich's rendition of "Romeo and Juliet" for the 20th anniversary of Korea-Russia bilateral relations. "It was a wonderful performance," he said about the first evening. "We are looking into hosting a full production by the Korea National Ballet Company. We open-heartedly welcome more joint projects and exchanges."

The 58-year-old, moreover, noted Korea's emerging ballet scene. "International ballet competitions these days are dominated by Koreans, and I think Korea is taking strong root in the global ballet scene. I am happy that Mr. Grigorovich (the Bolshoi Theater's choreographer-in-residence) has contributed to the process."

For the past 10 years, Grigorovich was invited to stage five of his pieces in Korea. The KNBC is the only East Asian country with exclusive rights to showcase the legendary choreographer's work.

''We are looking into having an all-Korean cast performance by the Korea National Ballet Company. We are open-heartedly welcome more joint projects and exchange,'' said Iksanov.

Though long regarded as one of the world's most esteemed venues for ballet and opera, the Bolshoi's Theater is looking to expand its repertoire and become a more international arts hub.

"The Bolshoi Theater is located between the East and West and we hope to become a bridging center," he said. "We welcome Korea to the club."

Its main theater is scheduled to reopen next year. It will retain its original 19th century-grandeur but will be equipped with state-of-the-art acoustics. It will be connected to the newly added recital hall and New Theater by an underground tunnel, becoming one of the world's largest performing arts complexes.

In addition to inviting foreign artists to the theater, the Bolshoi will also knock on the doors of its international fans. Its Sunday performances, for example, are being broadcast live in North America, Europe and Australia via the French company CielEcran.

The theater is also looking into allowing fans to view next year's main theater-reopening performances online.

"Pop entertainment and show business is dominating all parts of the world; it's important to preserve and develop the classical arts," he said.