Chung Myung-whun, the music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), said on Dec. 30 that he would leave the SPO. Announcing his departure, he added that allegations regarding his wife, surnamed Koo, were not true.
In the evening of Dec. 30, as the music director of the SPO, Chung bade farewell after conducting his last concert, the SPO’s year-end performance titled “Maestro Chung Conducts Choral Symphony” at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall.
In a letter sent to SPO members, outgoing conductor Chung said it was very regrettable to leave his post.
Chung had previously promised to conduct the orchestra’s nine concerts scheduled for next year regardless of his contract status. However, Chung canceled all of his appearances with the SPO following his resignation on Dec. 30.
As regards the allegations against his wife, Chung said press reports about his wife were groundless and police investigations would reveal the truth.
The SPO is looking for his replacement as Chung’s contract expires on Dec. 31.
