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| Na Dae-han / Courtesy of Korean National Ballet |
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Former Korean National Ballet (KNB) dancer Na Dae-han, who was fired for violating self-isolation rules March 16, appealed last week, claiming that his actions were are not a valid reason for dismissal.
According to the KNB, Na, 28, filed an appeal against his dismissal through his attorney March 27, and a Disciplinary Appeals Committee meeting will be held April 10.
The committee, including artistic director Kang Sue-jin and other officials at the national ballet who were involved in the decision to fire Na, will conduct the review. If the committee rejects his appeal, Na can then file an administrative action against the KNB.
The KNB took disciplinary action against three members including Na, March 16. He traveled to Japan during a self-quarantine period and the committee concluded that his action grievously harmed the national ballet's status and gave him the harshest punishment possible. It was the first time for the KNB to fire a member in its 58 year history.
The troupe performed "Swan Lake" in the southeastern city of Daegu, Feb. 14 and 15, and when the mass COVID-19 breakout there was reported, the KNB ordered its members to self-isolate themselves from Feb. 24 to March 1 to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
Na, a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, who became better-known after appearing on the Mnet romance reality show "Somebody," traveled to Japan during this period with his girlfriend and posted photos from the trip on Instagram, Feb. 27. His account was later shut down after controversy arose surrounding the trip.
The KNB issued an official apology on behalf of the artistic director March 2 and held a disciplinary meeting for Na, soloist Kim Hee-hyun and principal dancer Lee Jae-woo for violating the self-quarantine regulations.
Kim and Lee were suspended for three months and one month, respectively, for giving private lessons during the period. Neither appealed.
