Ballerino Jeon Min-chul / Courtesy of Universal Ballet Company

Jeon Min-chul, who became the second Korean ballerino set to join the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet in Russia as a soloist in February next year, is a rising ballet star enjoying unprecedented idol-like popularity in the local ballet scene.

Often dubbed as "Korea's Billy Elliot," Jeon first captured public attention when his passionate pursuit of ballet was featured on a TV program seeking young dance prodigies for the musical "Billy Elliot" in 2017. Although he did not secure a role in the musical, he continued to refine his art and now 20 years old, Jeon is set to make his full-length debut in the blockbuster ballet "La Bayadère" with the Universal Ballet Company.

The ballet community's enthusiasm for this young talent is extraordinary. His performance, scheduled for Sept. 29, alongside soloist Lee You-rim, sold out within minutes, reflecting the high anticipation surrounding the ballerino.

Jeon said he has long harbored the dream of joining a Russian ballet company, particularly the Mariinsky Ballet.

"As someone who is deeply fascinated by classical ballet, I've always wanted to be part of a company that specializes in classical repertoire. When I considered it, the answer was clear: a Russian ballet company. I've dreamed of joining one since I was young," he said in a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Universal Ballet Company in eastern Seoul.

After Kim Ki-min, a principal dancer who was the first Korean to join the Mariinsky Ballet in 2011, showed a video of Jeon's performance to Yuri Fateev, acting head of the Mariinsky, Jeon was invited to audition in Russia. This opportunity ultimately led to his chance of a lifetime.

"The Mariinsky Ballet told me that I had learned well in Korea and that I should thank my Korean teachers. Later, I learned that I was accepted not because I was already a perfect dancer, but because they saw potential for me to shine and grow even more in the future," he said.

Ballerino Jeon Min-chul / Courtesy of Universal Ballet Company

Strength of Korean ballet

Jeon, a student at Korea National University of Arts, noted that, compared to foreign dancers he has met in competitions, he feels Korean dancers possess a stronger sense of dedication and self-discipline.

"When I watch foreign dancers, they seem to dance more freely. Of course, there are advantages to that, and it's something we should learn from. For example, I feel like many of them separate their personal lives from their ballet careers. However, when you look at Korean ballet dancers, ballet is often their entire life. Because of that, they invest more time in practice and their mindset is so immersed in ballet. This creates a unique passion and energy," he said.

The ballerino, who has never separated his life from ballet, said the most exhilarating moment for him is when he gives his absolute best during a performance.

"The days when I feel I've performed to the fullest, putting in all my effort and practice, and have no regrets are the most thrilling for me. The moment of taking a bow and greeting the audience at the end of such a performance is the most exhilarating," he said.

The star ballerino admitted that he experienced his own slump. When he transferred to Sunhwa Arts Middle School, he felt that he was less skilled than his peers who had started ballet earlier than him.

"I used to dance because it made me happy, but I found myself constantly comparing myself to others and belittling myself. And because of the nature of my school, with practical exams and all, I inevitably felt like I was being compared to others. This made me feel awful about myself, lowered my self-esteem and took away the joy I used to feel from dancing," Jeon said, adding he just went with the flow, attending school and dancing without any real passion for a while.

The change came when he accepted the differences and stopped comparing himself to others. Jeon said that by observing a friend he had seen as a rival, he began to understand that the dance he could express and the dance his friend could express were unique to each of them.

"So, even if one of us was lacking in a certain area, I could accept it. If my friend excelled in one area and was recognized for it, I believed that there would also be a path for me to be recognized in my own way," he said, explaining how he overcame the slump.

"I focused on gradually improving my weaknesses and developing myself and my dreams started to grow again."

Regarding his upcoming performance at Seoul Arts Center, Jeon said his favorite part of "La Bayadère" as a dancer is the moment when he does a series of grand jetés at the beginning of Act 3.

Jeon plays Solor in "La Bayadère," a valiant warrior who loves the Indian maiden Nikiya despite their differences in social status. The role requires exceptional dance skills to perform the pas de deux with Nikiya and showcase the vigor of a warrior.

"The excitement and thrill of that moment, both before I go on stage and while I'm performing, is unmatched. It makes me feel truly like the male protagonist. Unlike many other ballets where the female dancer is the central figure, like in 'Swan Lake,' I believe that Solor is the most important character in 'La Bayadère.' It's a role that every male dancer aspires to," he said.

He said his Solor will be like no other.

"Ever since I started ballet, I've always heard that dance is expressed differently depending on one's life experiences. In that sense, I think my dance will have a different charm compared to my seniors," he said. "I believe I will present a Solor that only a 20-something Jeon Min-cheol can show."