Pyeon Jang-wan Elected 10th President of Korea National University of Arts
Pyeon Jang-wan, a distinguished professor at the School of Film, TV and Multimedia, has been inaugurated as the 10th president of the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts). The appointment follows a direct election involving students, faculty, and staff, in which Pyeon secured 65.2% of the votes.
Pyeon Jang-wan brings a wealth of experience to the presidency, having served in key roles at K-Arts, including dean of his school and head of academic affairs. His term will span four years, concluding on October 1, 2029. Born in Seoul, Pyeon studied English literature at Chung-Ang University and film theory at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
Under his leadership, K-Arts has risen to global prominence. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it placed 19th worldwide and first in Asia for performing arts. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism anticipates Pyeon's expertise will further bolster K-Arts' status as a global art education hub. His appointment was finalized upon Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young's recommendation and President Lee Jae Myung's official approval. Beyond academia, Pyeon has held prominent positions such as president of the Moving Image Technology Association of Korea and international director of the Korean Cinema Association.
Pyeon Jang-wan's appointment signals a new chapter for K-Arts. With his extensive experience, global perspective, and proven leadership, he is poised to build on the university's success and solidify its position as a leading institution in the performing arts.
