Seoul Philharmonic Chief Conductor Chung Myung Whun Willing to Step Down

Following a controversy involving Chung Myung Whun in an embezzlement of more than $50 million, the artistic director will reportedly not sign another contract. He is also set to leave Seoul Philharmonic after ten seasons.

On Thursday last week, Chung talked with The Chosun Ilbo, as reported on Friday. He will still conduct scheduled concerts for 2016. He also pledges to give his fees as donation to charitable institutions and as development budget for the orchestra.

"The money I will receive from the orchestra will go towards the SPO's development, UNICEF, and other charities," Chung says.

Chung has served as the musical director of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra since 2005. Under his leadership, SPO has been able to perform last year at one of the greatest classical music festivals, the BBC Proms.

Last month, conservative activists have filed a petition to investigate the 62-year-old musical director after allegedly using money from the taxpayers for his own benefit.

However, Chung shuts down the allegations and clarifies that he is making money from serving the orchestra. According to a Sunday article on The Korea Times, Chung will stay should Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) arrange a music hall for the orchestra.

Orchestra's CEO and president, Choe, said that the final decision will be announced after discussions between Chung and SMG will be concluded in September. 

Last year, the orchestra was also filled with tension as former head, Park Hyun-jung, was accused for employee maltreatment. Park later quit after 17 employees requested to have her removed from SPO. Due to a lack of evidence, she was cleared of the charges on August 11. She was one of the people slamming Chung for "abusing his privileges."