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By Jake Jung
Photo credits: bergenPAC
In the vibrant cultural and artistic scenes where artists and audiences converge, professionals serve as intermediaries between suppliers and consumers of artistic productions. In the United States, particularly within cultural spaces predominantly influenced by mainstream American society, one Korean arts manager stands out. Jake Jung, a lawyer and board member of the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC), is driven by the belief that "art is not the possession of artists but something to be shared by all." He endeavors to unearth artistic talents and expand cultural content through improved management. The evening sun sets over Manhattan's skyline as he discusses art and performance culture at a café along the Hudson River.
Board Member at bergenPAC
We sought an interview with a bergenPAC board member, only to find he is also a lawyer. Could you introduce yourself, please?
Hello, my name is Jake Jung. Until recently, I worked as a corporate attorney and am now with Judy Chang Law Firm, serving on the bergenPAC board.
What led you to become a bergenPAC board member?
I have always been interested in performing arts. However, my path to joining the bergenPAC board was through interactions with political figures, rather than just interest. Several years ago, I assisted a candidate running for Governor of New Jersey, which led to my introduction to Frank Huttle (Mayor of Englewood and founder of bergenPAC), through whom I joined the board.
What responsibilities does a board member at a performing arts center like bergenPAC have?
As a nonprofit, bergenPAC operates differently from for-profit organizations; the board decides on critical matters related to operations and duties, with management and staff following these decisions. As a board member, roles range from making decisions about theater operations, accounting, gala events, and maintenance to more detailed tasks like planning, structuring artistic products, recruiting, and sometimes even direct funding. As the first Korean board member, I've taken efforts to bring Korean programs and talented artists here, initiating with a performance by Lee Eun-mi.
Having a Korean board member at a performing arts center like bergenPAC seems advantageous for the Korean community. What has been most rewarding and challenging for you?
Being the first Korean board member, I’ve strived to benefit the Korean community and manage to return the benefits to Koreans by making bergenPAC a hub for arts and culture. An early success was Seong-Jin Cho's U.S. debut in 2016. Although major classical performances often struggle with attendance, Cho's concert was sold out, surprising even Americans. Challenges include changing the mindset that classical or Broadway shows must be seen in Manhattan. As long as this belief persists, local theaters face an uncertain future. Continuous effective promotion remains a concern.
What inspired you to plan Seong-Jin Cho's debut in the United States?
We usually bring artists through networking. Upon hearing Cho won the Chopin Competition, I urged immediate contact. At that time, despite many commitments with the Polish Symphony post-competition, we secured his first solo recital here. Post-concert, the response was overwhelming, leading to collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony (NJSO) for another concert this October, marking a milestone for me.
Finding common ground between the seemingly disparate worlds of law and arts management can be challenging. How do you bridge the two?
Though currently a lawyer, after high school, I pursued vocal study in Italy, which didn’t feel right. Returning to New York to attend Parsons, I worked with Paloma Picasso and Yves Saint Laurent. My interest in business arts led me to further study economics at the London School of Economics (LSE) and in Paris. Traveling encouraged visits to art centers, sparking passion across artistic fields, guiding me to where I am today.
I heard bergenPAC is not just a theater but also features an art gallery and a school. Could you tell us more about it?
bergenPAC, regarded as northern New Jersey’s arts mecca, features a 1,400-seat concert hall, a multipurpose hall, and eight studios. Opened in 2003 following a renovation of the historic John Harms Center, it has hosted a rapid growth of Korean community artists, including Lee Eun-mi and Seong-Jin Cho. We also run a comprehensive arts school covering music, visual arts, dance, ballet, and acting. My vision is for many Koreans to enrich their artistic aptitude at such esteemed institutions.
How many productions does bergenPAC typically stage per season, and what is the representation or involvement of Korean artists?
Annually, we plan around 150 original productions and rent out for about 20, totaling 170-180 performances. Currently, Korean artist representation is limited due to high fees relative to audience interest. Nonetheless, Cho’s performance initiated changes, prompting sincere discussions and support from the Korean government to introduce talented Korean artists to U.S. stages.
As a cultural arts manager, do you have future plans you can share?
We are planning, although not yet finalized, to expand from classical to include popular singers and introduce excellent American artists to Korea. Although ambitious, I am passionately committed to this vision. Moreover, as bergenPAC is housed in a 1928 building, we are fundraising for renovations, hoping for wider engagement from Korean and other communities. bergenPAC, not profit-driven, should thrive through community collaboration. Our efforts aim to lower barriers between stage and audience, enhancing cultural content. Exceptional artist discoveries and robust community engagement through bergenPAC’s Arts Access Initiative, offering free tickets to economically disadvantaged, remain our priorities.
Is there a message you'd like to convey through Mom & I's platform?
The phrase "life and art coexist" holds true; art is not a distant concept but an aspect of life. Enjoying art requires intentional time, providing restorative and healing moments amidst a busy life. bergenPAC offers superior programs, and with fewer logistics than Manhattan—the toll, parking costs, and distance—enjoying cultural arts here is ideal, especially with great children's programs for families. Koreans should partake more to embrace these benefits, sharing in the rich cultural experiences offered.
