[The Editors' Verdict] Government Suppression of Creative Freedom: A Major Mistake in Cultural Policy

Kwangho Lee, Head of Culture and Sports Team

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's plan to establish an integrated board of directors and a new administrative office for national performing arts organizations has sparked strong opposition within the arts community. The ministry announced that by the first half of this year, it will integrate the boards of five national arts organizations?the National Opera Company, National Choir, National Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet Company, and National Contemporary Dance Company?and create a new administrative office to oversee budget, accounting, contracts, and public relations, aiming to improve operational efficiency. This initiative is intended to promote collaboration among national arts organizations and strengthen private sector exchanges and overseas expansion.

However, this measure raises significant concerns about infringing on the autonomy of each arts organization. This is precisely why the arts community is strongly opposing it. Art is a field that develops based on the free expression and independence of creators. If multiple arts organizations are unified under a single management system under the name of an integrated administrative office, standardization of the creative environment will be inevitable. This could lead to the infringement of artistic independence and create an environment where experimental attempts and individuality are difficult to be respected.

A more serious issue is that such a major restructuring has not undergone sufficient public discussion. Prior consultation and dialogue are essential when the government directly oversees the arts community. However, this measure is being pushed forward unilaterally without adequate communication with the relevant organizations. As a result, opposition signature campaigns are spreading, especially among the dance community, and artists are strongly demanding a comprehensive reconsideration of the integration plan. Concerns and criticisms have also been raised in the National Assembly. Min Hyung-bae, a member of the Democratic Party, pointed out, "The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is seriously undermining the independence of the cultural and artistic community," and added, "The privatization of public institutions and the practice of appointing ‘our people’ to suit political tastes must be stopped immediately."

The government cites efficiency and ease of management as reasons, but administrative convenience cannot take precedence over the essence of art. While cost savings may be expected through integration, if the price is the suppression of creative freedom and a reduction in artistic experimentation, it will ultimately hinder the development of the arts. Each arts organization has its own unique identity and operational methods, and attempts to fit them into a uniform administrative system could cause serious side effects throughout the arts community.

Furthermore, this restructuring could be problematic from an international perspective. Globally recognized arts organizations aim to maintain independence while receiving government support. However, if this restructuring is enforced in Korea, there is a high possibility that national arts organizations will be transformed into overly centralized management systems. This will ultimately weaken the international competitiveness of Korean performing arts.

Cultural policy cannot be approached simply from the perspective of administrative logic or budget cuts. Performing arts play an important role beyond being a mere industry; they reflect the cultural level of society and enrich the emotions of the people. Rather than pushing forward unilateral restructuring while ignoring the voices of arts organizations, the government should seek genuine solutions for the development of the arts through sufficient discussion. Creative freedom is a value that cannot be sacrificed for administrative convenience. The government must deeply consider this.