Bae Hyunjin Says "Dance Promotion Act Essential for Systematic Support of Korean Dance"

Public Hearing on the Enactment of the "Dance Promotion Act" Held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 28th

"Dancers such as Kim Kimin and Jeon Mincheol of the Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, and Park Saeun of the Paris Opera Ballet, have made Korean dance a leading force on the global stage, yet there is not even a dedicated law to promote the field of dance. I will do my utmost in the National Assembly to ensure that the Dance Promotion Act is enacted."

On April 28, People Power Party member Bae Hyunjin hosted a public hearing on the enactment of the "Dance Promotion Act" at the main conference room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building, together with the Korea Dance Association, and made these remarks.

As global interest in Korean culture has grown, the National Assembly has recently passed a series of promotion laws for various arts sectors, including culture, visual arts, and traditional Korean music. Efforts are also underway to enact promotion laws for dance, musicals, and photography. Currently, legal grounds for supporting dance exist only as part of the Performing Arts Act and the Culture and Arts Promotion Act, which has led to criticism that systematic support is limited. In response, Bae Hyunjin proposed the Dance Promotion Act as the lead sponsor on March 7.

People Power Party member Hyunjin Bae is giving a greeting at the public hearing for the enactment of the "Dance Promotion Act" held on the 28th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building main conference room.
Photo by Hyunjin Bae Office

Bae explained, "The establishment of a National Dance Center has been discussed for a long time, but the issue remains unresolved. The Dance Promotion Act includes provisions for building a National Dance Center, laying the foundation for fostering the dance culture industry, expanding national support for training professionals and organizations, and protecting intellectual property rights for original choreography."

In addition, the Dance Promotion Act includes measures to systematically support the development of dance in Korea, such as promoting international exchange and overseas expansion, as well as fostering a culture that encourages the enjoyment of dance.

Bae Hyunjin's office announced that about 1,000 members of the dance community attended the public hearing. Dignitaries included Kweon Seongdong, floor leader of the People Power Party; Kim Gi-hyeon, former leader of the People Power Party; National Assembly members Kim Seungsoo, Min Hyungbae, Park Jungha, Park Hyungsoo, Lee Inseon, Ko Dongjin, Park Junghoon, Kim Jangkyum, and Lee Dalhee; Yong Hosung, First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Cho Namgyu, Chairman of the Korea Dance Association; and Park Sangwon, Chairman of the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. About 25 senior figures in the dance community also attended, including Chae Sangmook, advisor to the Korea Dance Association and holder of the Intangible Cultural Heritage "Seungmu," and Lee Eunju, advisor to the Korea Dance Association and holder of Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 46 "Salpuri Dance."