Kim Beom-su, founder of South Korean internet giant Kakao, was named Tuesday the new chief of the Korea National Opera's board of directors, the Culture Ministry said.

Kim, currently the head of Kakao's Future Initiative Center, will start his three-year term Wednesday as the directors' board chief of the national opera company, according to the ministry.

The non-executive seat in charge of sponsorship of performances has been served by high-profile corporate heads. Seo Jeong-jin, founder of biopharmaceutical giant Celltrion, is the current chief.

"I expect Kim will contribute to the Korea National Opera's future-oriented leap with his expertise as a businessperson from a leading South Korean IT and cultural content company, and longtime experience of social contribution in the culture and arts sector," Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon said. (Yonhap)