Meet Kim Seo-yeon, who found her own path to Finnish National Ballet

Kim Seo-yeon, a 24-year-old Korean ballerina, has been chosen as the featured image on the Finnish National Ballet's website for their upcoming production of "The Lady of the Camellias," set to be staged in April. Kim joined the company in 2020 and was promoted to first soloist in 2024. She will play leading roles in several productions in the new season, including "Swan Lake" which opens this month.

While it's not uncommon for Korean dancers to perform with leading ballet companies worldwide, Kim's rise as the face of Finland's national ballet company is particularly noteworthy. During a recent interview at the Seoul Arts Center, Kim mentioned that Finnish audiences are generally reserved and may not cheer loudly during performances. However, they often recognize her outside the theater, approach her to say hello, and request photos or autographs. Kim expressed that she feels very loved by the Finnish audience.

Unlike many Korean dancers who seek international careers, Kim did not attend an arts middle or high school or ballet-specific institutions. Instead, she followed her own path to become a prominent member of Finland's national ballet company.