"Yeongjinwi's Political Claims Losing Neutrality Are Unfair"

Theater Industry Reacts Angrily to KOFIC's Parliamentary Request Letter "Only Represents Certain Interests"
Kim Hye-jun, Head of Fair Environment Creation Center, "If Not Coordinated, There Needs to Be Enforceability"

On the 4th, Oh Seok-geun, Chairman of the Korean Film Council, apologized for the implementation of the film industry's blacklist at the 'Public Apology and Commitment to Innovation in the Film Industry Press Conference' held at the Korea Federation of Banks Building in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] The Korea Association of Cinema Owners recently expressed strong regret over the Korea Film Council's announcement of the 'Request for Establishing a System for Economic Democratization in the Film Industry.' On the 26th, the association delivered a statement of disappointment and dissatisfaction to Oh Seok-geun, Chairman of the Korea Film Council. The criticism is that advocating for industry regulations at a time when the entire film industry, including theaters, has been severely contracted due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic is inappropriate.

The Korea Association of Cinema Owners stated, "This matter thoroughly excludes the position of theater operators, who are important stakeholders in the film industry," and emphasized, "As the representative institution of the film industry, the Korea Film Council should maintain neutrality, and it is inappropriate to make political claims representing only certain interests." They also requested the disclosure of meeting minutes among council members regarding decisions such as the announcement of the 'Request for Establishing a System for Economic Democratization in the Film Industry.'

On the 19th, the Korea Film Council, unusually for a government agency, announced the 'Request for Establishing a System for Economic Democratization in the Film Industry' to be pursued in the 21st National Assembly. The requests include: ▲ institutionalizing and financially supporting dedicated theaters for independent and art films ▲ introducing a screen (screening times) cap system ▲ resolving unfairness issues caused by conglomerates' dual roles in distribution and exhibition ▲ pushing for an extension of the film development fund levy period. The council stated, "The Korean film industry faces serious unfairness in economic activities to the extent that it is called a tilted playing field," and expressed a sincere hope that "new film policies for sustainable development will be established and a desirable film ecosystem will be formed where second and third Bong Joon-ho directors can emerge."

On the 3rd, as concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection grow, a movie theater in Gangnam-gu, Seoul is less crowded than usual. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

Most theater officials view the Korea Film Council's announcement as an overreach. There is widespread opinion that the government agency, which should act as a mediator, has crossed the line. Dissatisfaction has increased as the Korea Film Council has not once provided a platform to hear the voices of the theater industry since Chairman Oh Seok-geun took office.

Theater official A said, "Even if there are forums, theater representatives are not invited. The Korea Film Council is the main culprit causing the tilted playing field," and criticized, "They are resorting to tricks to gain support from some filmmakers."

Theater official B said, "Which government agency listens to only one side and then issues a statement? If the Korea Film Council had been committed to mediation for a long time, measures like the screen cap system would have already been implemented."

Kim Hye-jun, head of the Fair Environment Creation Center at the Korea Film Council, explained, "We have never organized a forum," but added, "There was one occasion where the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism listened to the voices of the theater sector." Regarding the criticism that they represent only certain interests, Kim said, "If coordination is not achieved one by one, I think there is a need for enforceability."