{
  "id": 15999664,
  "title": "Male ballet leads steal spotlight in new director's 1st 'Giselle' production",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/male-ballet-leads-steal-spotlight-in-new-directors-1st-giselle-15999664",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T04:52:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/20261022/male-ballet-leads-steal-spotlight-in-new-directors-1st-giselle-production"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Korea National Ballet unveiled a fresh interpretation of Giselle when it presented its inaugural production since the appointment of Kim Joo-won as artistic director, from October 13-18. The show received accolades for its decision to cast a multitude of emerging talents in principal roles. Among these promising newcomers, corps de ballet members Na Dae-han, 34, and Kim Yoon, 19, garnered particular acclaim for their unique portrayals of Albrecht, Giselle's suitor. The performances of these two male dancers left such a lasting impression on spectators that some opted to attend multiple shows to fully appreciate the distinct styles each brought to the stage. Both Na and Kim made their stage debuts at the National Arts Companies rehearsal facility in Seoul's Seocho District, following their first full-length ballet performances in lead roles. Standing at 182 centimeters and 190 centimeters respectively, these two dancers possess an impressive physical presence even before they begin to dance. Kim, who recently underwent a health checkup, commented on his towering height, noting it had been measured at 191.1 centimeters.",
  "summary": "A single leading-role performance can rekindle the fading embers of one dancer’s dream and give another the confidence to discover his potential. The Korea National Ballet’s first regular production of \"Giselle\" since Kim Joo-won took over as artistic director, staged from Oct. 13-18, drew praise for casting a host of new faces in leading roles. Among them, corps de ballet members Na Dae-han, 34,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Male ballet leads steal spotlight in new director's 1st 'Giselle' production",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/male-ballet-leads-steal-spotlight-in-new-directors-1st-giselle",
        "published": "2026-10-22T04:17:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}