How Korean Conductor Chung Myung-whun Made La Scala History in 2025

In May 2025, the classical music world took note when Maestro Chung Myung-whun was appointed music director of Milan’s Teatro alla Scala—one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. The announcement made history: Chung became the first Asian conductor ever to lead La Scala, breaking a barrier that had stood for nearly 250 years. For international audiences just catching the news, here’s what this milestone means and why it matters.

Who Is Chung Myung-whun?

Chung Myung-whun is a South Korean conductor and pianist with a career spanning over four decades at the highest levels of classical music. Born in 1953 in Seoul, he comes from one of Korea’s most celebrated musical families—his sisters, cellist Chung Myung-wha and violinist Chung Kyung-wha, are also internationally renowned.

Chung studied at the Mannes School of Music and Juilliard in New York before launching a conducting career that took him to the world’s leading orchestras. He has held major posts including music director of the Opéra National de Paris (1989–1994), principal conductor of the Teatro Comunale di Firenze, and chief conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. His repertoire spans the core European canon—Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler, Verdi—and he’s particularly admired for his interpretations of French and Italian opera.

The La Scala Appointment: What Happened in May 2025

La Scala, founded in 1778, is synonymous with operatic excellence. It has premiered works by Verdi, Puccini, Bellini, and Donizetti, and its music director role is one of the most coveted—and scrutinized—positions in classical music.

In May 2025, La Scala’s board announced that Chung Myung-whun would assume the title of music director, with his tenure officially beginning in 2027. The appointment was widely covered in European and Asian media, with outlets emphasizing both Chung’s distinguished track record and the symbolic weight of an Asian conductor leading an institution so closely tied to European cultural identity.

💡 Context: La Scala has been led by legendary figures including Arturo Toscanini, Claudio Abbado, and Riccardo Muti. The music director shapes the house’s artistic vision, programming, and orchestra development.

Why This Appointment Is Historic

Classical music, particularly at the level of Europe’s grand opera houses, has historically been dominated by conductors from Europe and (later) North America. While Asian soloists—pianists, violinists, cellists—have achieved widespread recognition since the mid-20th century, the conducting podium, especially in opera, has remained less accessible.

Chung’s appointment is significant for several reasons:

• First Asian music director: No conductor of Asian heritage had previously held La Scala’s top post in its nearly 250-year history.
• Recognition of a global career: Chung’s selection reflects decades of work across continents, proving his artistry and leadership on the repertoire central to La Scala’s identity.
• Symbolic milestone: For Korean and Asian classical musicians, the appointment represents visibility and validation in a field where geographic and cultural backgrounds have often influenced opportunity.

Chung’s Previous Work in Italy

Chung is not a newcomer to Italian opera. He served as principal conductor of the Teatro Comunale di Firenze and has guest-conducted at La Scala and other Italian houses over the years. His deep familiarity with the Italian operatic tradition—and the Italian language and musical culture—likely strengthened his candidacy.

What Comes Next: The 2027 Tenure Launch

Chung’s official tenure as La Scala music director begins in 2027, giving him time to plan seasons, develop programming, and build relationships with the orchestra, chorus, and artistic staff. Music directors at houses like La Scala typically serve multi-year terms, shaping the institution’s artistic direction through repertoire choices, conductor and singer partnerships, and educational initiatives.

While specific programming details for Chung’s first seasons have not yet been announced, audiences and critics will be watching closely to see how he balances La Scala’s core Italian repertoire with his broader interpretive strengths, which include French opera and the symphonic canon.

Korean Classical Musicians on the Global Stage

Chung’s appointment comes at a time when Korean artists have achieved remarkable visibility across genres—from BTS and Blackpink in pop to Parasite and Squid Game in film and television. In classical music, Korean soloists and ensembles have long been prominent, but leadership roles in Western institutions have been less common.

Other notable Korean classical figures include:

• Pianist Cho Seong-jin, winner of the 2015 Chopin International Piano Competition
• Violinist Clara-Jumi Kang, a rising star on international stages
• The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, which Chung himself led as chief conductor

Chung’s La Scala role adds a high-profile conducting appointment to that list, potentially opening doors for the next generation.

The Bottom Line

Maestro Chung Myung-whun’s appointment as music director of La Scala, announced in May 2025 with a start date of 2027, is a historic first for Asian conductors. It reflects both his individual artistry and a slow but significant broadening of who leads Europe’s most storied cultural institutions. For fans of opera, classical music, or Korean cultural achievement on the world stage, this is a milestone worth noting—and the 2027 launch of his tenure will be a moment to watch.