Akris Woman with Purpose: Kang Suejin

Kang Suejin has had a remarkable journey — from being the first and youngest Asian ballerina at Germany’s Stuttgart Ballett in 1986 to becoming one of the most influential figures in Korean ballet today. She was named principal dancer in 1997 and gave her final performance in Onegin in 2016, after a career defined by emotional depth and technical precision.

Since 2014, she has served as the CEO and artistic director of the Korean National Ballet, now in her fourth consecutive term. Trained in Monte Carlo and winner of the prestigious Prix de Lausanne, Kang has always valued storytelling in dance and the full emotional commitment it demands. She describes her process as becoming the role, not just performing it.

The Akris Spring 2025 collection is connected to Albert Kriemler's collaboration with choreographer John Neumeier. You’re preparing The Lady of the Camellias by Neumeier — how are you feeling?

I’m so thankful that John gave me the opportunity to work on The Lady of the Camellias, a piece I truly love. It’s not easy to get the rights to this production, and I really wanted the Korea National Ballet to do it. The piece has a variety of roles, so I’m excited to see how each dancer interprets and expresses them. Even if you read the same book, interpretations differ. It’s my job to teach the movements, but it’s the dancers’ job to express the emotions. John’s works may look simple on the surface, but they’re very complex. The details are what make the quality.

You are in your 4th term as the director of the Korea National Ballet. How did it feel to be reappointed?

I just feel a strong sense of responsibility. The Korea National Ballet is now recognized around the world. When the dancers and I give our all and become one, the results come naturally. I truly hope our performances move the audience. Korea’s cultural level is astonishing — a miracle, really. It is rare, even abroad, to see people of all ages coming together to enjoy performances. I am proud that we can grow together. It still feels like the first time — and that feeling will never change.

Do you have a role model?

Rather than someone I want to emulate, there’s someone I really admire: Audrey Hepburn. She, too, was a ballerina and incredibly beautiful — so elegant as an actress. Her later life was also very respectable. Ballet taught me about life, just as I believe it did for her. It’s deeply connected to living. It made me strong, helped me mature, and allowed me to meet amazing people.

What makes the Korea National Ballet unique and special?

We have a strength that no other group has: when we say, 'Let’s unite,' we actually do. While some ballet companies revolve around a single star, the Korea National Ballet is home to a wide range of talented dancers. Many of them say they are not 'star material,' but I see endless potential. Each dancer has a unique personality and comes from a different generation. In the past, classical ballet focused on two lead roles. Today, there are many. It's the responsibility of senior dancers — like me — to guide them well.

What kind of advice do you give as a leader?

Ballet is an art where you cannot lie. If you're not sincere, it will not work. You get out what you put in. The stage is another dimension. I tell them to respect themselves and respect the audience. Otherwise, they should treat it as a hobby. I always say, never lose your original intention — stay consistent.

Do you remember any advice that stuck with you?

Not exactly advice, but when I was in Germany, my director would always ask us, whenever we felt lost: “What do you truly want?” That question stayed with me. Depending on how you interpret it, the takeaway is that you should enjoy the process based on why you chose this path. Ballet is physical, so injuries are common. Pain isn’t enjoyable — but through effort, you learn to overcome challenges, and in doing so, you learn about yourself.

What is your purpose in life?

To live each day fully. In doing so, there’s a kind of joy — like solving a puzzle. Sometimes, even when you give everything, things don’t work out. But no matter what, I want to live a life without regrets.