2025 FACP Bucheon Conference
Symposium
Keynote Speech 1
Asian Culture's Potential: Tradition, Innovation, and the Creation of Empathy
Seiichi Kondo / Speaker
President, Kondo Institute for Culture & Diplomacy
Ambassador Seiichi Kondo began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 1972. From 1999 to 2003, he served as Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). He was appointed Ambassador of Japan to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (2006-2008), and to Denmark (2008-2010). He later served as Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs from 2010 to 2013. He is the founder of Kondo Institute for Culture & Diplomacy and currently serves as President of the Professional Institute of International Fashion.
In Gun Park earned a Bachelor’s Degree in instrumental music and a Master’s Degree in music education from Kyung Hee University. He has held key positions in Korea’s leading cultural institutions, including Head of Performance Planning at the Seoul Arts Center and the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. He later served as President of the Chungmu Art Center, Gyeonggi Arts Center, and the KBS Symphony Orchestra, as well as CEO of the Busan Cultural Center and the Daegu Opera House. He received the Presidential Citation in both 1994 and 2004, as well as awards from the Mayor of Seoul and Daegu. He is the author of Theory and Practice of Arts and Cultural Management. He is currently serving as the Director of the National Theater of Korea and as Vice President of the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP).
In Gun Park / Panelist
C.E.O., National Theater of Korea
Joyce Chiou / Panelist
General and Artistic Director, National Taichung Theater
With a thorough background in both music and theater, Joyce Chiou boosts an impressive track record in arts production, curation, and international affairs. Being the Executive Director (2006-2018) of Taiwan Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra, she had successfully established its acclaimed international reputation by taking the orchestra on tour in Europe and the USA for a dozen times. In June 2018, she commenced her tenure at National Taichung Theater (NTT) as General and Artistic Director. Under her leadership, NTT has evolved into a culture hub for local communities and international outreaches, a compelling artistic force in Asian performing arts circle. She was elected as the Chairperson of the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP) 2023-2025.
Hae-Oung John began his career as an arts manager at the Seoul Arts Center in 1987, where he produced performances across a wide range of genres. As the General Director of performing arts management at Seoul Arts Center, he was involved in nearly every aspect of venue management, including theater operations and audience services. He served as the Head of the Korean Cultural Center in France (2019-2022). Upon returning to Korea, he lectured on cultural policy and arts management at the Graduate School of Arts at Chung-Ang University. He is currently serving as Secretary-General of the Korean Food Promotion Institute.
Hae-Oung Joh / Moderator
Secretary-General, Korean Food Promotion Institute
Forum 1
The Convergence of Technology and Performing Arts: Designing the Future Stage
Seong-Woo Kim / Speaker
Professor, Graduate School of Engineering Practice at the Seoul National University
Seong-Woo Kim is an Associate Professor of Graduate School of Engineering Practice at Seoul National University, where he focuses on creative problem-solving education based on smart city. He has conducted research at MIT and Stanford University, and his interests lie in applying emerging technologies—such as autonomous robotics, smart mobility, and interactive systems—to the design of public spaces and cultural environments. He currently leads SNU’s Carbon Neutrality ESG X-Corps and the Autonomous Robot Intelligence Lab, while actively publishing in the fields of engineering and creativity education. His work also extends to interdisciplinary efforts that connect technology with artistic and social contexts.
Tateo Nakajima is an Arup Fellow and an internationally recognized leader in design and planning of cultural venues and developments. His deep background in the design of spaces for cultural experience has led to an ongoing focus on the design for visitor experience, cultural planning and strategy across large civic developments worldwide. He has led projects around the world, working with many of the highest profile architecture and design practices, as some of the most prestigious artists and arts organizations. He has had overall design leadership and management responsibility for projects ranging from arts, culture & entertainment districts to pop entertainment venues, museums and gallery spaces, and immersive experiences in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia.
Tateo Nakajima / Speaker
Arup Architectural Acoustics Director
Glorife Samodio / Moderator
Director, Culture and Arts Office at De La Salle University
Dr. Samodio is an arts manager with extensive experience in advertising and public relations. She is a professor at De La Salle University (DLSU) and heads the Creative Industries Studies Network. With a distinguished 23-year tenure as DLSU’s Culture and Arts Director, she has significantly contributed to the university’s cultural landscape. In 2010, she was awarded a fellowship for arts managers by the Kennedy Center and later served as secretary of the Committee on Cultural Education at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (2010-2016). She currently holds leadership roles in several cultural organizations, including Vice Chair of the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP).
Keynote Speech 2
A New Perspective for the Future of Performing Arts
Yvonne is the CEO of Esplanade, and serves also on the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres (AAPPAC), International Society of Performing Arts (ISPA) and other governing boards in the arts, education and film. Prior to joining Esplanade 11 years ago, she had various stints in Singapore’s public sector, including National Arts Council, the then-Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, Ministry of Manpower and as a literature teacher in college.
Yvonne Tham / Speaker
C.E.O., Esplanade
Meggy Cheng holds a Master’s Degree of Arts in Cultural Management at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Dean’s List), a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts at the University of Hong Kong, and a Diploma in Drama at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. SHe began her career in multinational advertising firms before transitioning to arts marketing leadership roles at Chung Ying Theatre, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and M+ in West Kowloon. She was awarded a Clore Leadership Programme scholarship (2018/19) in the UK and named “Marketer of the Year 2019” by HKMA/TVB—the first in the arts sector to receive the honor. In 2023, she led the award-winning marketing campaign for Yayoi Kusama: 1945 to Now, earning multiple Gold Awards.
Meggy Cheong / Speaker
Executive Director, Hong Kong Dance Company
Paul Tam / Moderator
Executive Director, Performing Arts of West Kowloon Cultural District
Mr. Paul Tam has served as Executive Director of the Performing Arts of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) since 2020, overseeing artistic programming, venue operations, and strategic development. With over 20 years of experience in performing arts management, he previously led the Hong Kong Ballet as Executive Director, focusing on institutional growth, branding, education, and international touring. He is currently a Director of the International Society for the Performing Arts, a Board Member and former Chair of the Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association, Governor of the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion (FACP), and Advisor to Our Hong Kong Foundation.
Forum 2
Beyond the Stage - Production and Development Strategies for New Audiences
Low Kee Hong is Creative Director at Factory International, the landmark cultural space in the heart of Manchester, which opened in summer 2023. He oversees the Curatorial team at Factory International and alongside John McGrath, the organization’s Artistic Director & Chief Executive, develops the artistic programme for Factory International and leads on the programme for Manchester International Festival 2025 onwards.
Low Kee Hong / Speaker
Artistic Director, Manchester International Festival
Jinhak Park has been involved in classical music-related work since 1994, engaging in various activities such as concert production, album planning, corporate program planning and management, and consulting. His goal is to provide the best performance environment for artists and excellent listening opportunities for audiences. Recently, he has shown particular interest in producing programs for young Korean artists.
Jinhak Park / Speaker
C.E.O., Stageone
Sunmi Kim / Speaker
Director, Korea Manhwa Contents Agency
With 26 years of experience in comics culture planning, Sunmi Kim has organized domestic and international exhibitions and led cultural exchange projects with countries including America, Brazil and France. Currently, she is serving as the Director of the 2024–2025 Korea–Italy 140th Anniversary Exchange Exhibition, contributing to cultural diplomacy. Since 2016, she has been developing and teaching comics and animation education programs at Inha University. She is also active in public and educational sectors as an NCS committee member, startup mentor, and recognized cultural leader.
Soo Hyun Kim is the Arts and Culture Correspondent and Deputy Director of the News Division at SBS, a major South Korean broadcasting network. She covers a wide range of topics in music and the performing arts, with a particular focus on cultural journalism. Since 2019, she has been the host and producer of Curtain Call, an weekly podcast and YouTube series that features in-depth interviews with artists. In 2021, she received the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Award in the Culture category. She previously served as Program Director of the SBS D Forum and Head of Brand Strategy at SBS Media Holdings. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Seoul National University and a Master’s degree in Cultural Policy and Management from the University of Warwick. She is the author of Sometimes I Dream of a Curtain Call and The UN of Geniuses, TED.
Soo Hyun Kim / Moderator
Arts and Culture Correspondent, SBS