{
  "id": 3198741,
  "title": "'Ballet is more fun than K-dramas,' says Mariinsky soloist Maria Khoreva",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/ballet-is-more-fun-than-k-dramas-says-mariinsky-soloist-maria-khoreva",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-25T06:02:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/20260825/ballet-is-more-fun-than-k-dramas-says-mariinsky-soloist-maria-khoreva"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mariinsky soloist Maria Khoreva, a 26-year-old first soloist with Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet, has expressed her admiration for fellow company member Jeon Min-cheol, a 22-year-old Korean ballet dancer. During a press conference for the 19th Seoul International Ballet Festival, Khoreva praised Min-cheol's exceptional talent, noting that her partnership with him transcends mere technique. The two dancers have collaborated in numerous productions, including \"Romeo and Juliet,\" \"Giselle,\" \"Swan Lake,\" and \"La Fille du Pharaon.\" According to Khoreva, what matters most to her is the story being told, rather than whether her partner can hold her firmly. She further commended Korean dancers, both male and female, for reaching the highest level in their field. Khoreva will perform alongside Bolshoi Ballet soloist Makar Mikhalkin at the festival's opening gala.",
  "summary": "“I could tell that the moment Giselle first met Albrecht in the ballet 'Giselle,' the instant I looked into Min-cheol’s eyes, he was already inside the story. He is an amazing dancer who not only has outstanding technique but also creates genuine chemistry with his partner onstage.” Maria Khoreva, 26, a first soloist with Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet, spoke highly of fellow company member and Korean…",
  "key_points": [
    "Mariinsky soloist Maria Khoreva praises Korean ballet dancer Jeon Min-cheol.",
    "Khoreva emphasizes storytelling over physical strength in ballet partnerships."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Khoreva's comments highlight her artistic priorities and underscore the strong reputation of Korean dancers in the ballet world, particularly her colleague Jeon Min-cheol.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "'Ballet is more fun than K-dramas,' says Mariinsky soloist Maria Khoreva",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/ballet-is-more-fun-than-k-dramas-says-mariinsky-soloist-maria-khoreva-3200210",
        "published": "2026-08-25T06:07:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}