At the Contemporary Korean Music Research Colloquium, Professor Jeon Jeong-Im (Chungnam National University) delivered a presentation entitled “Aspects of Regietheater in Foreign Opera Productions – Focusing on the Works of Director Jang Soo-Dong.” She explored how the concept of Regietheater – emphasizing the director’s interpretative and creative role – has developed within the operatic field, outlining its definitions, historical background, and different typologies. 

The lecture highlighted the productions of Jang Soo-Dong, a director who reinterprets Western operas while actively integrating Korean contexts and contemporary issues. Through a series of examples, Professor Jeon demonstrated how Jang transforms classical operatic works into performances that maintain their musical core while simultaneously resonating with Korean identity and offering new cultural perspectives. 

The subsequent discussion saw active participation from many attendees. While some raised critical points about altering music or narrative, it was widely acknowledged that such experiments are essential for broadening the horizons of Korean opera and keeping the repertoire dynamic. The colloquium thus not only provided valuable musical insights but also served as a unique platform where less familiar research topics can gain visibility and scholars can share their work with a wider audience.