The Korean Cultural Center in Belgium will host a special performance by 99 Art Company, featuring their acclaimed contemporary dance work 'Je_Burnt Offering' on September 28-29, 2025. The performances, scheduled for 8:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday evenings, are part of the KCC On Stage 2025 series showcasing ten Korean performing arts presentations.
The featured work 'Je_Burnt Offering' earned significant recognition when it received the Grand Prize at the 2019 Seoul Arts Awards. This contemporary dance piece draws inspiration from ancient burnt offering rituals, where offerings were ceremonially burned to send their fragrance to divine beings. The company has reinterpreted this traditional concept of dance as ritual within a modern framework, creating a powerful artistic statement about human existence.
Led by artistic director and choreographer Hyerim Jang, 99 Art Company has established itself as an innovative force in Korean contemporary dance since its founding in 2014. The company operates under the guiding motto 'Dance that resonates with the soul' and focuses on creating new forms of Korean dance that successfully bridge traditional elements with contemporary expression. Through their work, they explore profound themes related to human existence and the ontological value of life itself.
'Je_Burnt Offering' specifically portrays the sublime beauty of human beings who, through the repetition of daily labor and routine, quietly burn their time to create meaning in their lives. The performance utilizes powerful movement vocabulary and striking visual imagery to convey these deep philosophical concepts. The piece examines how individuals find purpose and significance within the mundane aspects of everyday existence.
The performance will feature an accomplished artistic team including Hyerim Jang as Artistic Director, Seoyi Jang as Deputy Artistic Director, and Gowon Lee as Rehearsal Director. The cast of dancers includes Seoyi Jang, Gowoon Lee, Sookyung Lee, and Seryoung Choo, while the musical accompaniment will be provided by Jihyun Park and Haerang Cha.
Choreographer Hyerim Jang brings extensive credentials to this production, having graduated from the prestigious Korea National University of Arts before establishing 99 Art Company. Her work has gained international recognition through performances in Sweden, Italy, Brazil, Singapore, and other countries worldwide. Her choreographic approach remains deeply rooted in traditional Korean dance principles while creating works that speak to contemporary audiences about fundamental human experiences.
99 Art Company's artistic portfolio extends beyond 'Je_Burnt Offering' to include other notable works such as 'Breathing Swing,' 'Abyss,' 'Silence,' and 'Land of Roses.' In recent years, the company has expanded their creative scope to include collaborations with visual artists, performance art within gallery exhibitions, and various international cultural exchange projects, demonstrating their versatility and commitment to cross-cultural artistic dialogue.
Admission to both performances is free, though advance reservations are required due to limited seating capacity. Reservations will open at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 11, and can be made through a dedicated online link that will be provided by the Korean Cultural Center in Belgium.
This presentation is made possible through support from the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) as part of their Touring K-Arts project. This initiative aims to promote Korean performing arts on international stages and foster greater cultural understanding between Korea and other nations through artistic exchange.
