Seoul maestro lashes out at orchestra’s ex-CEO

In his resignation letter, sent today to Seoul Philharmonic players, Myung Whun Chung makes no secret of the cause of his departure, pledging to continue to combat Ms Park’s legacy and her powerful supporters. He writes:

‘It is with great sadness that I write this letter of departure from the SPO at the end of my 10th year as your music director.

‘I would like to congratulate the SPO members on your achievements over the last 10 years — achievements that have been applauded all over the world. It is sad that these achievements have been overshadowed by one person’s fabricated statements. Lies and corruption may cause scandals, but human dignity and truth will prevail in the end.

‘There is only one thing that I consider higher and more important than music — namely, humanity. For this I am willing to put music at the service of helping, enriching and defending human rights, be it to help children through UNICEF or, in our case, helping the 17 people who have been terribly mistreated by the former CEO. Mistreated far beyond civilized, acceptable levels. Perhaps it is a reflection of Korean society that this has been allowed to happen.’