Yoo Hongjun, Chairman of the K-Culture Power Committee: "Culture and Arts Subsidies Should Be Viewed as R&D"

Inauguration Ceremony of the Democratic Party's K-Culture Power Committee
Yoo Hongjun: "Support for Culture and Arts Should Be Seen as R&D"
"Support Without Interference... Recognizing Failure as an Asset"
Lee Jaemyung's Strong Commitment to a Cultural Powerhouse

The Democratic Party of Korea's K-Culture Power Committee, with former Cultural Heritage Administration chief Yoo Hongjun appointed as chairman, was officially launched on the 9th.

At the inauguration ceremony held in the small conference room of the National Assembly Library on this day, Chairman Yoo Hongjun emphasized that government subsidies in the field of culture and the arts should be viewed as research and development (R&D), and pledged that a Democratic Party government would actively support the culture and arts sector.

Yoo Hongjun, Chairman of the Democratic Party's K-Culture Power Committee, is giving his remarks at the launch ceremony held in the small conference room of the National Assembly Library on the 9th.
Photo by K-Culture Power Committee

Chairman Yoo pointed out that the government has tended to demand excessive development from the culture and arts sector after providing support. He noted that this could be perceived by recipients as pressure to deliver successful outcomes. Yoo stressed that more significance should be placed on the "research" aspect within R&D.

"Support is provided because research is necessary, even if it is uncertain whether the outcome will be a success or a failure. Even if the result of the research is a failure, it still becomes an asset. I believe that establishing a system that recognizes this is the driving force for becoming a cultural powerhouse." Chairman Yoo added that establishing a system that acknowledges failure requires advanced administrative capabilities, and he pledged to put such a system in place.

Regarding cultural and arts industry policy, Chairman Yoo emphasized that there are cases where the industry becomes the focus and culture and the arts are neglected, and he stressed the need to be vigilant against this.

Chairman Yoo Hongjun also expressed his intention to provide proper support through administrative streamlining. He emphasized that "support without interference" would be the basic principle, and that he would help artists freely pursue their creative work.

"Because the government interferes after providing subsidies, both applying for support and producing results become complicated and difficult. Candidate Lee Jaemyung mentioned that even to buy a 500-won glue stick, a receipt must be attached. This kind of process needs to be simplified."

Chairman Yoo stated, "No matter what system is created, there will always be 5% of cases that are fraudulent or problematic, but it is not right to restrict the remaining 95% in order to catch that 5%. True support is about fostering the free imagination of the 95%." He also said, "Among artists in our country, there are those who would like to try various things if only they had the money. We need to recognize the passion of such people as an asset to our country."

On the 9th, attendees of the Democratic Party of Korea's K Culture Power Committee inauguration ceremony held in the National Assembly Library's small conference room are taking a commemorative photo.
[Photo by K Culture Power Committee]

Chairman Yoo Hongjun assessed that candidate Lee Jaemyung has a strong commitment to making Korea a cultural powerhouse.

He said, "Culture and the arts have always been a standard part of presidential candidates' platforms, but after the election, they have often been pushed down the list of priorities. Candidate Lee Jaemyung has demonstrated considerable commitment by establishing the K-Culture Power Committee as a committee directly under his candidacy." He added, "At a recent meeting with the heads of Korea's five major business organizations, candidate Lee Jaemyung emphasized two points to business leaders: first, he hoped they would focus more on the renewable energy industry, and second, he stressed the importance of the cultural industry."

In response to criticism that the share of the government budget allocated to culture and the arts has been steadily shrinking, Chairman Yoo Hongjun stressed that, ultimately, the will of the leader is most important when it comes to the budget. He expressed his expectation that, given candidate Lee Jaemyung's strong commitment to making Korea a cultural powerhouse, there would be active support if he is elected.

Chairman Yoo Hongjun also emphasized that culture itself must possess strength, and said he would pay attention to strengthening cultural infrastructure. In particular, regarding infrastructure, he mentioned small theaters in Daehakro and independent art films. Yoo stated, "Those who have continued their work simply because they love it, even without any support, are the foundation of K-culture's global reach, and I will never forget them."