The Lotte Foundation has initiated support for disabled artists who possess artistic talent but struggle to secure performance opportunities and funding for creative activities.
On October 20, the Lotte Foundation held the '2026 Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Support Ceremony for Disabled Artists' at the Oullim Plaza performance hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on disabled artists, enabling them to continue their creative endeavors with stability. The foundation collaborated with the Korea Disabled Culture and Arts Association to recruit candidates in four fields: classical music, practical music, traditional music, and dance.
After evaluating artistic skills, growth potential, and the feasibility of their activity plans, the foundation selected a total of 10 recipients, including five youths and five adults. Each youth will receive 3 million won, while adults will receive 5 million won.
The ceremony was attended by Lotte Foundation Chairperson Jang Hye-seon and Shin Dong-il, the representative of the Korea Disabled Culture and Arts Association.
The recipients also showcased their talents in a performance. Cellist Lee Jeong-hyun, who is also a graphic score artist, performed the second movement of Shostakovich's 'Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40.' Vocalist Choi Won-hyuk, who completed his master's and doctoral studies at the Chopin University of Music in Poland, sang 'Nessun dorma' from Puccini's opera 'Turandot.'
Chairperson Jang stated, "Living as an artist is never easy, and especially in specialized fields like vocal music, instruments, pansori, and dance, it requires significantly more time and effort to take the stage."
She added, "It is truly heartbreaking that despite facing greater challenges and putting in more effort than others, there are fewer opportunities for disabled artists to perform. I hope you remember that there are places like our foundation that welcome and support disabled artists."
Meanwhile, the Lotte Foundation is expanding its support for disabled individuals. In April, it sponsored the National Blind Football Championship for the third consecutive year, donating 50 million won. Approximately 100 players from eight teams participated in the event.
In May, the foundation held the inaugural 'Shin Kyuk-ho Lotte Open Film Festival,' inviting 160 individuals, including those with developmental disabilities, their families, and accompanying teachers. Last year, it invested 100 million won in a program providing daily living education, including health, financial management, and public transportation use, to 257 individuals with developmental disabilities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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