Ordinance Proposed by Council Member Lee Yeonhee Passes Plenary Session
Hopes for Improved Economic Stability and Poor Working Conditions
A legal framework has been established to protect the rights and interests of artists in the Chungnam region and to support their stable creative activities.
The Chungnam Provincial Council announced on July 30 that the "Chungcheongnam-do Artist Creative Activity Support Ordinance," proposed by council member Lee Yeonhee (Seosan 3, People Power Party), was passed at the 2nd plenary session of the 360th extraordinary meeting held on July 29.
This ordinance was enacted to address the double hardship faced by local artists due to poor creative environments and financial difficulties, and to establish a sustainable artistic ecosystem.
According to the "Artist Status Survey" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the average annual income of artists in 2024 was 10.55 million won, a 17.7% decrease compared to 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic. When adjusted for inflation, the real decrease amounts to about 31%, which is less than half of the minimum wage standard (24.72 million won per year).
Furthermore, the proportion of artists in unstable employment such as temporary, contract, or daily positions reached 52.9%, a significant increase from 30.5% in 2018.
The average number of creative activity presentations per artist also dropped by 20.5%, from 7.3 to 5.8 times per year.
Reflecting these conditions, the ordinance includes key provisions such as: establishing and implementing a basic plan to support artists' creative activities; promoting related support projects; and building a cooperative system between local governments and arts organizations.
Lee Yeonhee stated, "Although there are about 4,000 artists active in Chungnam, the creative infrastructure and economic rewards are severely lacking compared to the Seoul metropolitan area." She added, "Artists' creative activities are not just about personal achievement; they are a core asset directly linked to the emotional well-being and quality of life of local residents, as well as to tourism, education, and welfare."
She continued, "Through this ordinance, we will establish a comprehensive support system that will not only promote culture and the arts in Chungnam but also contribute to revitalizing the local economy."
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