Jeon Min-chul, who became the second Korean ballerino set to join the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet in Russia as a soloist in February next year, is a rising ballet star enjoying unprecedented idol-like popularity in the local ballet scene.

Better known as the “Billy Elliot of Korea,” Jeon gained widespread recognition after his passionate pursuit of ballet was featured on a nationally broadcast TV program seeking prodigies in 2017. Now 20 years old, he has come a long way and is set to make his full-length debut in the blockbuster ballet “La Bayadère.”

Ballet fans’ excitement about him is extraordinary. His performance, scheduled for Sept. 29, alongside soloist Lee You-rim, sold out within minutes, reflecting the high anticipation surrounding the ballerino.

Jeon said he has long harbored the dream of joining a Russian ballet company, particularly the Mariinsky Ballet.

“As someone who is deeply fascinated by classical ballet, I’ve always wanted to be part of a company that specializes in classical repertoire. When I 한국을 considered it, the answer was clear: a Russian ballet company. I’ve dreamed of joining one since I was young,” he said in a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Universal Ballet Company in Seoul.

After Kim Ki-min, a principal dancer who was the first Korean to join the Mariinsky Ballet, showed a video of Jeon’s dancing to Yuri Fateev, the acting head of the Mariinsky, Jeon was invited to audition in Russia. This opportunity ultimately led to his chance of a lifetime.

“The Mariinsky Ballet told me that I had learned well in Korea and that I should thank my Korean teachers. Later, I learned that I was accepted not because I was already a complete dancer, but because they saw potential for me to shine and grow even more in the future,” he said.