JUNGLE - Korean National Contemporary Dance Company

Established in 2010, the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company (KNCDC) is Korea's only national contemporary dance company. Through dance created in collaboration with artists with exceptional creative capacities, KNCDC aspires to create Korean contemporary dance that tells stories of history, society, and daily lives of contemporaneity that can be appreciated across regions and by all generations. Following the first artistic director Hong Seungyup, the second artistic director Ahn Aesoon, the third artistic director Ahn Sungsoo, and the 4th artistic director Nam Jungho, in May 2023 choreographer Kim Sungyong succeeded as the 5th artistic director of KNCDC. KNCDC is solidifying its identity as a dance company through a stage performed by artistic directors and dancers. Based on this, KNCDC intends to introduce its unique colors to various regions in Korea and various countries abroad.

As an organization that specializes in creation of new productions, KNCDC seeks to realize diverse contemporary values in dance performances. KNCDC produces productions by inviting choreographers with authentic artistic directions and selecting the most suitable dancers for each project. Furthermore, by protecting the rights of the artists, KNCDC enables artists to freely express individuality within the dance company’s stable system. KNCDC continues to work to provide the best environment for dance where the artists and audience can grow together. As a platform where artists and audiences meet, the company hopes to form a healthy ecosystem where diverse values can coexist. Moreover, KNCDC plans to enrich the lives of citizens through their experiences with dance in close proximity to their day-to-day lives.

Kim Sungyong, Choreographer
Based on his philosophy that "Dance is a language that cannot be described in words," Kim Sungyong pursues dance as the "most truthful means of expression." He emphasizes that dance is an art to be expressed frankly above all. For him who embodies what words cannot portray, choreography is a process of searching for what he wants to express in the treasury of new things. Movement research "Process init," which he developed with a focus on "sense and reaction," further solidifies this process. Artistic inspiration was brought to him through "Process init," which derivs atypical and creative movement and turns it into visible forms on stage. Kim began dancing at the age of 15 and came to prominence as the youngest winner of the gold award at the Dong-A Dance Competition at 20 in 1997, and as the first Korean to win an award at the Japan International Ballet & Modern Dance Competition in Nagoya. Showcasing more than 100 choreographic works on prestigious domestic and international stages, he has received a number of awards while being recognized for his abilities and talent. Besides, serving as the director of the Daegu Contemporary Dance Company, he brought new wind to the organization as a young leader in his 40s. He was also considered to have contributed to improving the dancers' capabilities and developing the company through various attempts, demonstrating his own empathetic communication skills. Kim Sungyong, who is making his own way as a dancer, choreographer, and administrator, is expected to take Korean contemporary dance to a world-class standard through his young and creative leadership based on his extensive experience and know-how in the field.

Choreographer: Kim Sungyong
Rehearsal Director: Lee Junwook
Composer·Music Director: Marihiko Hara
Text·Dramaturg: Kim Meyoung
Scenographer: You Jaehun(Youjam Studio)
Stage Designer: Jo Haerin(Youjam Studio)
Lighting Designer: Lee Jungyoon
Costume Designer: Bae Kyongsool
Sound Director: Jung Saerom
Production Stage Manager: Cho Yoongeun

Dancers
• Kang Seongryong
• Kang Seunghyun
• Kim Minah
• Kim Yoonmee
• Kim Yunhyun
• Sung Minjung
• Yang Jiyeon
• Yu Dajeong
• Lee Kyungyub
• Lee Jisoo
• Jung Jaewoo
• Jung Juryung
• Jo Hyundo
• Cheon Youngdon
• Choi Yeonjin
• Ha Jihye
• Hong Jeehyun