Dancer Lee Luda Wins the New Artist Award at the 74^th Seoul Culture Awards

Dancer Lee Luda, an alumna of the Department of Dance Performance at the School of Dance, has received the New Artist Award at the 74^th Seoul Culture Awards, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The award honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the development of Seoul’s culture and arts.

This year, twelve awardees were selected from eighty candidates across ten categories, including literature, dance, culture industry, and others. Established in 1948, the Seoul Culture Awards is one of the city’s most prestigious cultural honors. The ceremony has been held annually, except during the Korean War, to recognize individuals who have left a lasting mark on the growth of Seoul’s artistic and cultural landscape.

The evaluation criteria included contributions to Seoul’s cultural advancement over the past decade, efforts to enhance citizens’ cultural life, and results from an online public vote.

The New Artist Award, introduced last year, aims to spotlight emerging creative talents poised to lead the future of the arts and cultural community. This year’s recipients were recognized for their exceptional creativity and artistic excellence across various fields.

Renowned for her innovative approach to contemporary ballet, Lee Luda has expanded Korean ballet’s horizons. She has also actively worked to bring the art form closer to the public, invigorating Seoul’s ballet community.

Kim Taehee, Head of Culture Headquarters, commented, “The dedication and creative efforts of artists who have revealed Seoul’s cultural potential have greatly elevated the city’s prestige. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will continue to support diverse artistic and cultural initiatives to cultivate an environment where all citizens can enjoy and grow with the arts.”