SEOUL – A scheduled performance in Seoul featuring Svetlana Zakharova, a prominent ballerina from Russia's Bolshoi Ballet known for her support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was canceled on Friday in response to public outcry. The decision comes amidst heightened tensions due to the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. Zakharova, a Ukrainian-born Russian dancer, was set to perform in "Modanse" at the Seoul Arts Center from April 17 to 21, alongside lead dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the organizer of the show, the cancellation was influenced by safety concerns for both the artist and the audience, as well as a request from the Seoul Arts Center. The company extended its apologies to those who had been anticipating the performance, seeking understanding from the public. The Russian Embassy in Seoul lamented the decision, advocating for the separation of arts and politics, and criticized the campaigns against Russian cultural exchanges.
Zakharova's affiliations with the United Russia party and her public support for Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 have sparked controversy. The Ukrainian Embassy in South Korea had also voiced opposition to the performance, arguing that it effectively disregards the ongoing conflict and suffering of the Ukrainian people.
The focus now shifts to whether other performances involving Russian ballet dancers in Seoul will face similar opposition. Notably, the "Bolshoi Ballet Gala Concert 2024 in Seoul" is still on the calendar for April 16-18 at the Sejong Centre for the Performing Arts, alongside a collaborative performance featuring the Mariinsky and Bolshoi Ballets scheduled for May 16-19.
Seoul, South Korea - The Los Angeles Dodgers, accompanied by Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, arrived in South Korea on Friday, greeted by enthusiastic fans at Incheon International Airport, ahead of their historic Major League Baseball (MLB) series in Seoul. The team's arrival, which follows the San Diego Padres' landing by approximately 14 hours, sets the stage for the first MLB regular season games to be held in South Korea.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Dodgers touched down around 2:30 p.m., preparing for the Seoul Series against their National League West rivals, the San Diego Padres, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at Gocheok Sky Dome. Ohtani, the two-time American League MVP who joined the Dodgers in December with a record 10-year, $700 million contract, was the focal point of attention, closely followed by fans and media as he made his first public appearance in the country.
Fans of Ohtani in South Korea, collectively known as "Shotime Korea," displayed banners and cheered loudly for the athlete, who recently disclosed his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka and shared a photograph with her on social media prior to the Korea-bound flight. The anticipation for Ohtani's performance is high, as he transitions to the Dodgers from the Los Angeles Angels, where he achieved fame as a two-way sensation. After undergoing elbow surgery this offseason, Ohtani will serve as designated hitter for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers' arrival was not without incident, as an unidentified individual attempted to throw an egg at Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, though no harm was done. The incident did not dampen spirits, with other team members, including former MVP winners Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, receiving a warm welcome.
The team's connection to South Korea is deep, tracing back to Park Chan-ho, the first South Korean player in MLB, who debuted with the Dodgers in 1994, and Ryu Hyun-jin, a key player from 2013 to 2019. Park is slated to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the first game of the Seoul Series.
In addition to the historic series, the Dodgers will engage in two exhibition games against local teams, showcasing their talent and further cementing their popularity among South Korean fans. The regular season games will highlight Japanese pitchers from both teams, with Yu Darvish of the Padres and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers among those set to take the mound.