Im Sang-gyu's new artistic director's term is two years from March 19, 2025 to March 18, 2027.
Director Im majored in conducting Korean traditional music at Chung-Ang University and Dong Graduate School and completed a course in conducting Hungarian International Bartok Seminar. Since then, he started as a member of the National Gugak Orchestra in 1998 and has served as a deputy director of the Central Gugak Orchestra, and has been highly praised for his performances and contents production in various genres since 2003 as a deputy director and permanent conductor of the Ansan City Gugak Orchestra.
"It is a great honor to be with the Daejeon City Yeonjeong Gugak Troupe, which boasts a long history and tradition," the new artistic director Lim said in a letter of appointment. "Based on our musical capabilities and experience, we will work hard to develop performances and contents that represent Daejeon with our members to raise the status of the Gugak Troupe to the next level. We will also do our best to contribute to the development of traditional culture and arts in Daejeon."
In response, Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo said, "I sincerely congratulate you on your appointment as artistic director and conductor of the Daejeon City Yeonjeong Gugak Group. Based on communication with the members and musical leadership, I hope you will do your best to raise the status of the Gugak Group in this year's European tour and promote the beauty of our traditional Gugak at home and abroad."
