Choi Hwiyeong: "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Budget Must Be Greatly Increased to Achieve Cultural Powerhouse"

On July 29, Choi Hwiyeong, the nominee for Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated at the National Assembly confirmation hearing that the current budget for the Ministry, which accounts for only 1.3% of the total national budget, needs to be significantly increased.

Choi Hwiyoung, nominee for Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is delivering an opening statement at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on the 29th. 2025.7.29 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Choi agreed with Lim Ohkyung, a member of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee from the Democratic Party and the ruling party's secretary, who argued that the budget for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism should not be neglected if the government aims to realize its vision of becoming a cultural powerhouse. Choi expressed his position that the Ministry's budget must be expanded.

Choi stated, "Currently, the national budget is 673 trillion won, but the budget for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is only 7 trillion won, which accounts for just 1.3% of the total budget," and added, "With such a limited budget, there are inevitably many limitations to achieving the cultural powerhouse that we envision." He went on to emphasize, "It is necessary for everyone to share in the government's goal of becoming a cultural powerhouse, and I believe the current budget must be greatly expanded."

Choi also agreed with Lim Ohkyung's claim that the Ministry's budget has been continuously reduced. He said, "I understand that the budget for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been cut in many areas," and added, "I believe it should be restored and increased once again."