Chung Myung-whun, the music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), has announced his intention to resign. In an interview with a local newspaper on August 27, Chung Myung-whun, who’s been heading up the SPO since 2006, said that he would not renew his contract with the SPO and resign as SPO music director.
His recent years with the SPO have been very tumultuous. In December last year, Chung Myung-whun sided with whistle-blowers and slammed then CEO Park Hyun-jung for her abusive treatment of subordinates, which resulted in Park’s resignation.
However, another controversy was waiting for him. A civic group accused Chung of embezzlement, so a police investigation into the allegation is underway. There was yet another controversy over Chung's annual salary. As regards Chung’s alleged embezzlement, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has concluded that there was no grave illegality and expressed its willingness to renew its contract with Chung.
Back in 2005, Chung joined the SPO as an artistic advisor. Since then Chung has been credited with having the SPO ranked among Asia’s top orchestras.
Under the baton of Chung, the SPO made its debut at the BBC Proms in London last year, receiving rave reviews from the British media.
