GCC Academy, 140 Content Talents Embark on a New Journey

Gwangju City Holds Entrance Ceremony for 2nd GCC Academy Class...
Seven-Month Training in Four Fields Including Games, Animation, and Webtoons
Outstanding Trainees Offered Overseas Training and Employment or Startup Opportunities

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong attended the entrance ceremony for the 2nd class of the "GCC Officer School" held at the Gwangju Real Content Cube (GCC) VX Studio on the 13th and took a commemorative photo. Provided by Gwangju City

140 trainees of the 2nd class of the GCC Academy, known as the "cradle of global content talent," have taken their first bold step toward a new challenge.

On the 13th, Gwangju City held the entrance ceremony for the 2nd class of trainees at the Gwangju Realistic Content Cube (GCC) VX Studio and began a seven-month training program.

The ceremony was attended by over 200 people, including Mayor Kang Gi-jung, Lee Kyungjoo, Director of the Gwangju Information and Culture Industry Promotion Agency, and representatives of content companies. After the ceremony, the trainees participated in a two-day orientation, which included networking by field and special lectures on content planning.

Mayor Kang Gi-jung introduced Gwangju's cultural industry policies, including the unique cultural content valley centered around the GCC, the National Asia Culture Center, the Gwangju Media Art Platform (GMAP), and support for cultural content companies.

Mayor Kang said, "In the past decade, the sales growth rate of Gwangju's cultural content industry has reached an explosive 489%. The role of the city is to ensure this growth continues." He added, "The 1,000 hours of sweat you will shed at the GCC Academy will make you the future leaders of the cultural content industry. I encourage you to express your talents freely and turn your imagination into reality so that your lives can shine."

During the ceremony, graduates of the first class sent video messages of encouragement to the new trainees, receiving a big round of applause.

The recruitment for the 2nd class of the GCC Academy attracted a total of 421 applicants, resulting in a competition rate of 3 to 1. After document screening and interviews, 140 trainees were finally selected.

One trainee said, "Although I majored in 3D design, I always struggled with a lack of 3D tool-based skills. I applied because I could receive specialized training in 3D engines in Gwangju. Through the training program, I hope to complete a professional portfolio."

The 140 trainees of the 2nd class will participate in training courses in four fields?immersive content, games, animation, and webtoons?at the Gwangju Realistic Content Cube, equipped with Asia's top-level virtual experience (VX) studio, and the Gwangju Visual Complex Culture Center for seven months until September. They will develop practical skills through basic and advanced courses and company-linked team projects. In addition, they can participate in various programs such as company-invited special lectures, mentoring programs, job and startup fairs, and global education certification license acquisition to enhance their employment and entrepreneurship capabilities.

The training is completely free of charge. During the basic and advanced courses, trainees receive a daily allowance of up to 20,000 KRW, and during the company-linked team project period, a monthly internship allowance of up to 600,000 KRW. Outstanding graduates are given the opportunity to visit overseas companies.

Gwangju City plans to continue supporting the GCC Academy as a hub for nurturing core talent in the cultural content industry and establishing a supply chain to lead the future content industry.