▲ This Yonhap file photo shows South Korean singer Tae Jin-ah (L) and actor-stage producer Song Seung-hwan. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, June 4 (Yonhap) -- The cultural sector called on President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday to lay the foundation for Korea to become a cultural powerhouse and to support the global status of K-content.

 

They also emphasized the need for an expanded cultural budget and investment in basic and pure arts. Additionally, they urged for a drastic reduction in regulations to ensure freedom in the private sector, under the grand principle of “support without interference.”

 

▲ Yoon Chul-ho, President of the Korean Publishers Association:

The publishing industry hopes the new government will address issues such as e-book piracy and copyright revision. There's also the issue of governance among support institutions like the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Publication Industry Promotion Agency. It’s necessary to adhere to the principle of supporting private organizations while minimizing interference. The Publishers Association plans to present a roadmap for entering the ranks of the world’s top five knowledge-based cultural powers. This includes nurturing the publishing industry as a knowledge-based industry in the AI era, and strategies to develop integrated analog-digital content publishing.

 

▲ Kang Hyung-chul, Chair of the Writers Association of Korea:

Literature has the power to restore communities damaged by hatred and conflict. For this to happen, freedom of expression and literary autonomy must be guaranteed. The new administration should remember the foundational principle of cultural policy — support without interference — and ensure that the dark chapter of the cultural blacklist is never repeated. Korea should also continue to promote its remarkable literary achievements, sparked by author Han Kang's Nobel Prize candidacy, and pay attention to inter-Korean cultural exchange.

 

▲ Lee Sung-hoon, President of the Korea Gallery Association:

A policy direction that minimizes regulation, respects private autonomy, and implements effective incentives is needed to achieve transparency, vitality, and growth. Art taxation systems must be rationalized, import/export customs policies for artworks improved, and donations encouraged through tax support. Policies must enhance public access to culture, and in the long run, a Korean-style art hub strategy should be pursued.

 

▲ Lee Jong-gyu, President of the Korea Musical Theatre Association:

We expect new leadership to match the world-class status of the K-content industry. Among the various content genres, K-musicals are rapidly gaining global attention. We support the path to becoming a cultural powerhouse and will walk it together with the new administration. Culture is strength.

 

▲ Lee Jong-hyun, President of the Korea Popular Music Performance Industry Association:

We hope the new administration sees the popular music performance industry not just as a private cultural activity but as a key future industry and an important indicator of national competitiveness. We request governmental attention and practical support to ensure the qualitative growth and sustainability of the industry in line with the global "K" status.

 

▲ Shin Il-sook, President of the Korea Cartoonists Association:

We hope support continues for webtoon creators so that Korea can maintain its pride as the birthplace of webtoons. Many creators suffer from chronic fatigue due to weekly deadlines, and during new project preparation — effectively a time of unemployment — they need government support to focus on their work without financial stress. Above all, we ask the government to eradicate illegal websites harming webtoons and to address AI-related anxieties so all copyright holders can rightfully exercise their rights.

 

▲ Choi Kwang-ho, Secretary-General of the Korea Music Content Association:

While the K-pop industry is heavily regulated, it receives relatively few benefits. K-pop artists are promoting national prestige, but institutional support is lacking. We need deregulation and balanced support, just like other content industries. Also, we hope to see the construction of a dedicated arena where both K-pop and international artists can perform professionally.

 

▲ Lee Dong-ha, Co-Representative of the Film Industry Crisis Response Alliance and President of the Producers Guild of Korea (PGK):

Restoring the Korean film ecosystem requires urgent expansion of the film development fund. We also need to increase support for planning, development, and mid-budget films. Recovering the reduced budgets for film festivals, regional films, and supporting independent films and infrastructure is critical for the future of Korean cinema. In a rapidly changing environment, we urge legal reforms and the restoration of a public-private governance system within the Korean Film Council to rebuild a fair and future-oriented ecosystem.

 

▲ Park In-geon, Director of the National Theater of Korea:

To improve the quality of life for citizens, a robust cultural infrastructure is essential. Systematic support for pure arts, which forms the foundation, is also necessary. We hope the new government will take a long-term view and lay a strong foundation to become a true cultural powerhouse.

 

▲ Jang Hyung-joon, President of the Seoul Arts Center:

We ask the new administration for deep interest and support in making culture and the arts tools to enrich lives and enhance the national value of Korea. We hope Korea will become a more radiant country for the arts with the new government.

 

▲ Choi Sang-ho, Director and Artistic Director of the Korea National Opera:

The biggest issues facing the Korea National Opera are regional relocation and integration with other national arts organizations. While we agree with the aim of balanced regional cultural development, the process must also be democratic and inclusive. We hope for leadership that listens and creates a stable environment where artists can fully dedicate themselves to creative work for the people.

 

▲ Song Hyung-jong, CEO of the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture:

The cultural sector hopes the government will aim to expand the cultural budget to 2% of the national budget. Continued investment in basic arts is crucial to sustain the global K-cultural initiative. We hope the basic arts budget, currently in the 500 billion won range, will double to 1 trillion won by the end of the term, helping Korea firmly establish itself as a cultural powerhouse.

 

▲ Moon Hoon-sook, Director of Universal Ballet:

Culture comforts the hearts of the people, unifies society, and reflects the dignity of a nation. We hope both public and private arts organizations receive fair and balanced support for sustainable growth. If artists can thrive in an environment that fosters creativity and autonomy, Korea will grow into a deeper and more beautiful nation.

 

▲ Actor and Stage Producer Song Seung-hwan:

When it comes to cultural policy, there is no better principle than “support without interference.” I hope this principle is upheld under the new administration.

 

▲ Actor Choi Soo-jong:

A warm-hearted president who reaches out to those in need! A leader who puts in all their strength and will for a world without prejudice! A president who forgets fatigue to devote themselves to the marginalized! Though the times may change, the people long for a leader who shares their hearts and goals. I wholeheartedly support our new president in leading Korea toward a better future.

 

▲ Singer Tae Jin-ah:

K-pop has blossomed on the path paved by great seniors like Patti Kim and Cho Yong-pil. I hope the government supports our artists so they can continue to flourish overseas. I also hope for improved welfare for the cultural elders who built the foundation of the arts scene.

 

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