▲ Courtesy of Baki/Jeon's Instagram

South Korean ballet prodigy Jeon Min-chul, aged 20, is poised to join Russia’s esteemed Mariinsky Ballet.

Following in the footsteps of principal dancer Kim Ki-min, Jeon secured his position as a soloist after a successful audition in Russia, slated to commence in February next year. He is notably skipping the traditional progression through the coryphees stage, a rare honor in the ballet world. 

▲ SBS, screen capture from "Finding Genius"Jeon, a graduate of Sunhwa Arts Middle School and Sunhwa Arts High School, currently attends Korea National University of Arts' School of Dance. His journey to Mariinsky was paved with accolades, including winning the pas deux category at the Youth America Grand Prix and recent performances at the Korea Ballet Festival.

His selection at Mariinsky, known for its exacting standards and rare admissions, underscores his talent and potential. Jeon’s audition was facilitated by the endorsement of Kim Ki-min, marking a significant achievement for Korean representation in the global ballet scene.

Jeon’s passion for dance, showcased since his early appearances on talent shows, reflects his dedication and perseverance in pursuing his artistic aspirations.

Sayart / Rachel Bae, sungmin.b.213@gmail.com