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[UPDATE] CEO and President of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Hyun-jung Park Accused of Sexual Harassment, Holds Press Conference, Accuses Art Director Myung-Whun Chung of Staging A Coup

Tensions continue to rise in Seoul as president and CEO of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Hyun-jung Park, who was recently accused of sexually harassing and verbally abusing her employees, goes head to head with art director and principle conductor Myung-Whun Chung, who she claims is organizing a coup against her.Park, who held a press conference Friday, Dec. 5, denied allegations and accused Chung of starting a petition for her removal. She shared that there were documents from audits that track the director's unethical activities and listed four different cases of complaints about his conduct. At the press conference, she personally listed cases where she believed Chung had abused his authoritative power.These statements come on the tail of recent allegations made against Park’s unethical behavior. Hyun Jung Park made history when she became the first female president and CEO of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in February 2013.But 17 of the Seoul Philharmonic’s employees testified in a petition that Park constantly abused them, with one male employee claiming that she had too much to drink at a public dinner gathering and grabbed him by the necktie, attempting to touch his genitals. Three female employees said Park suggested they offer themselves sexually, telling one she would be a good hostess and the other two that they should sit next to important male guests and accommodate their needs.Many employees said she would often swear at them, threaten to deduct money from their paychecks and say things such as, “You should sell your organs to make up for corporate losses.” She has also been accused of unethical hiring and promoting decisions, basing career advancement on connections rather than merit.
By Jaime Prisco

  • [WATCH] Peter Hollens and 'America's Got Talent' Alum Jackie Evancho Cover Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' in YouTube Clip

    Beware Internet: You are about to hit a breaking point. Soloist Peter Hollens and "America's Got Talent" favorite Jackie Evancho have teamed up for a most resounding rendition of Leonard Cohen's iconic "Hallelujah."Hollens appeared on Season 2 of the NBC reality show "The Sing-Off" and has been compared to the unique vocal quintet Pentatonix, who also rose to fame through the show.And now — like we need to tell you — but Evancho is the 14-year-old soprano that has been dazzling audiences with her luminous vocal chops and grace. Having come to prominence through "AGT," she also performed at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C.The song will be included on Hollens's self-titled debut album, which was recorded and produced by Hollens and includes 13 tracks and features seven songs from his catalog along with six new tunes.
    By Ian Holubiak

  • With No Political Affiliation, Anna Netrebko Gets Pegged After Posing with Russia Separatist Flag and Donating to Donetsk Opera

    Earlier this week opera diva Anna Netrebko made a donation to an opera house in Donetsk, but the donation has landed her in the political hot seat as the singer was pictured with a flag used by some separatist groups.Netrebko made the donation Sunday, Dec. 7, in St. Petersburg, handing over 1 million rubles to Oleg Tsarov, a politician who, according to "The New York Times," hopes to unite Donetsk with another separatist region. It was ensured, also, that Tsarov would be able to get the check to its intended destination.But the singer was caught off-guard when the politician asked her to hold a flag and pose for a picture — which then circulated on Twitter with the caption "Anna Netrebko has taken up the flag of Novorossiya!"It was said by the soprano from the initial release that the donation was made specifically for art's sake and not to be confused with any kind of political agency. That, nonetheless, has not removed her from being inundated with political philosophy.
    By Ian Holubiak