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

The Finnish National Ballet has selected a photograph of Korean ballerina Kim Seo-yeun, aged 24, to feature on its website promoting the forthcoming production of "The Lady of the Camellias," choreographed by John Neumeier. Scheduled to take place next April, Kim, who joined the company in 2020 and was promoted to first soloist in 2024, is expected to play prominent roles in several productions in the upcoming season, including "Swan Lake," which commences this month.

While it is not uncommon for Korean dancers to grace the stages of prestigious ballet companies worldwide, Kim's emergence as the emblem of Finland's national ballet company is particularly noteworthy. Recently, during an interview at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul, Kim shared her experiences with Hankook Ilbo. Although she occasionally returns to her homeland for a summer break, Kim expressed her appreciation for the Finnish audience's subdued applause during performances but noted that they enthusiastically recognize her outside the theater, offering greetings, photographs, and autographs. Kim described herself as feeling "very loved."

In contrast to numerous Korean dancers who opt for international careers, Kim's journey to the Finnish National Ballet diverges from the norm. Unlike many of her peers who pursue arts education through middle or high schools or specialized institutions, Kim chose a different path.