Biography:
Ji-young Kim, born on July 26, 1978, is a prominent South Korean prima ballerina and currently serves as a principal dancer with the Korea National Ballet (KNB) in Seoul. Her journey to become one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation has been marked by talent, determination, and the ability to overcome the most challenging circumstances.
Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, and from an early age showed a passion for the arts. She explored various hobbies, including Taekwondo and piano, but it was ballet that captured her heart. At the age of ten, Kim began taking ballet classes and quickly discovered her natural talent and love for the dance form.
In 1991, at the age of thirteen, Kim started her professional training at the Yewon School, a specialist arts junior school in Seoul. During breaks, she would attend ballet sessions in New York City, further refining her skills. It was during this time that she had the opportunity to train with professors from the prestigious Vaganova Academy in Russia. Inspired by their teaching, Kim made the pivotal decision to pursue her ballet education at the Vaganova Academy.
In 1992, Kim left for Russia and successfully passed the entrance exam for the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet. Her years of hard work and dedication culminated in a memorable performance in Vaganova’s graduation showcase in 1996. Kim had plans to join a ballet company in Russia, but tragedy struck when her mother unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack during her graduation performance. Overwhelmed by grief, she returned to Seoul, putting her dreams on hold.
Five months after her mother’s passing, Kim joined the Korea National Ballet as the youngest principal dancer. She made her stage debut as Esmeralda in Notre Dame de Paris, captivating audiences with her technical prowess and emotive storytelling.
Kim’s talent and dedication were recognized on the international stage when she won the bronze medal at the 6th USA International Ballet Competition in 1998, held in Jackson, Mississippi. That same year, she and her partner, Yong-geol Kim, took home the First Prize at the 8th Paris International Dance Competition. Their outstanding achievement earned them the Order of Culture Merit: Hwagwan, making Kim the youngest recipient of this honor in 1999.
During her career, Kim continued to receive accolades and recognition for her artistry. In 2001, she won the silver medal and the best art prize at the Kazan International Ballet Competition in Russia. That same year, she was awarded the Prima Ballerina Award by the Ballet Association in South Korea.
In 2002, Kim decided to explore new opportunities and joined the Dutch National Ballet as a Grand sujet under the invitation of Artistic Director Wayne Eagling. Her talent and dedication saw her rise to the position of soloist in 2005. In 2007, she achieved yet another milestone when she was promoted to principal and received the prestigious Alexandra Radius Prize, an incentive prize for promising young talent within the ballet company.
Following an invitation from the Balletto di Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in Italy, Kim made her debut as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. Her performance showcased her versatility and artistry, further solidifying her reputation as a world-class ballerina.
In 2009, Kim made the decision to return to the Korea National Ballet, bringing her remarkable international experience and refined artistry back to her homeland. Despite the challenges and setbacks she faced throughout her career, Ji-young Kim’s unwavering passion for ballet and her determination to overcome adversity have firmly established her as an icon in the dance world.
Awards:
– Bronze Medal, 6th USA International Ballet Competition (1998)
– First Prize, 8th Paris International Dance Competition (1998)
(with partner Yong-geol Kim)
– Order of Culture Merit: Hwagwan, The Republic of Korea (1999)
– Silver Medal and Best Art Prize, Kazan International Ballet Competition (2001)
– Prima Ballerina Award, Ballet Association in South Korea (2001)
– Alexandra Radius Prize, Dutch National Ballet (2007)