The Sharm El-Sheikh International Youth Theatre Festival, chaired by artist and director Mazen Al-Gharbawi, has selected Professor John Wong Sun from South Korea as the “Honored Korean Figure” for its 10th edition, scheduled from November 25 to 30. This recognition honors his distinguished theatrical and academic career and his significant contributions in directing, acting, and teaching. The honor coincides with South Korea being the guest of honor for the festival’s 10th edition, celebrating Korean theatre and emphasizing openness to global theatrical experiences.

Professor John Wong Sun has been the president of the Korean Theatre Association since 2022 and has served as a professor at Kyung Hee University since 2001. He earned a Master of Fine Arts in Acting and Directing from Syracuse University, USA, in 1993, and was president of the Korean Theatre Directors Association from 2006 to 2009.

He is a prominent figure in the international theatre scene, serving as the artistic director of the ST-Bomb Festival, a board member of the Barbul Festival in Romania since 2018, and the head of the Nomad Theatre Company since 2010. He was the artistic director of the E&I Theatre Company from 1997 to 2007 and directed several important plays that toured major international festivals, including “The One Person,” “Medea Fantasy” at the Barbul Festival in Romania, “The Cherry Orchard” at the Tony Bulandra Theatre in Romania, and “King Lear” at the Taipei International Shakespeare Festival.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including Best Director at the Barbul Festival in Romania (2019), Best Actor from the Korean Press Association, and Best Director at the Seoul Theatre Festival.

Professor John Wong Sun is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary Korean theatre, contributing to the development of both university and professional theatre movements. He has worked to build bridges between Korean theatre and its counterparts in Europe and Asia. His works are distinguished by blending classical vision with experimental styles and his continuous search for a global theatrical language that transcends local cultural boundaries, making him an internationally prominent figure in festivals and theatrical forums.

The festival is held under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, led by Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities headed by Minister Sherif Fathy, and the Egyptian General Authority for Tourism Promotion chaired by Dr. Ahmed Youssef. Their participation highlights the pivotal role of these institutions in supporting events that showcase Egypt’s cultural identity and enhance its position on the global tourism map, emphasizing the integration of cultural and tourism dimensions to serve comprehensive development.

The festival also receives active support from South Sinai Governorate as part of its efforts to boost cultural and tourism activities in the governorate, supported continuously by Major General Dr. Khaled Mubarak, Governor of South Sinai. The festival is managed by Dr. Engy El Bastawy, and the upcoming edition is named after the artist Elham Shahin.