Five Regulatory Reforms Announced at Ministry of Culture Press Conference
Collaboration with Other Ministries to Expand Tax Credits for Video Content
Concerns Dispelled by Blue House Opening "Thanks to Yoon Seok-yeol's Great Decision"
"We will do our utmost to support the global competitiveness of K-Culture." This is the ambition of Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, who has positioned himself as a promoter of the Korean Wave. The blueprint has already been drawn. It is a regulatory reform to expand the horizons of K-Culture.
At a press briefing held at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the 4th, Minister Park stated, "We will respect the autonomy of the private sector to the greatest extent possible, while focusing support on areas that are difficult for the private sector or where the industry needs assistance." The five regulatory reforms to be prioritized are: ▲ introduction of a self-rating system for online video content distributed via Over-The-Top (OTT) services within the year ▲ establishment of exemption regulations to expand convenience in copyright use related to big data ▲ simplification of procedures for the certification system supporting artists' activities ▲ relaxation of criteria for designating international conference complex zones related to the international conference industry ▲ relaxation of building height standards for tourism and pension businesses (from 3 floors to 4 floors).
Minister Park said, "We are rapidly pushing forward centered on the 'Regulatory Innovation Task Force' formed under the responsibility of the first vice minister," adding, "We will also proactively identify collaborative tasks with other ministries." Some issues are already becoming visible through close cooperation, such as ▲ expansion of tax credits for video content production costs ▲ flexible implementation of the 52-hour workweek system tailored to the characteristics of cultural industries like the gaming sector. Minister Park said, "Concrete plans have already been prepared."
Another goal is to create a fair cultural environment. Minister Park said, "We will focus on supporting cultural and artistic activities for people with disabilities," adding, "We will conduct the first-ever accessibility survey for people with disabilities at museums, art galleries, and performance venues, and establish a basic support plan for disabled artists for the first time." He continued, "We will also create standard performance halls and exhibition spaces so that people with disabilities and disabled artists can freely create, perform, and exhibit."
Doubts about feasibility were dispelled by the opening of Cheongwadae (the Blue House) to the public on May 10. Within 44 days of opening, it surpassed one million visitors, becoming a popular tourist destination. Minister Park said, "Thanks to President Yoon Seok-yeol's great decision, we were able to shed authoritarianism," and added, "We will make various efforts to ensure that Cheongwadae, which boasts the traces of past presidents, over 600 artworks, and more than 50,000 trees, continues to live and breathe among the people."
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