AI's Unauthorized Use of Creative Works... 'Protection of Creators' Must Be Included in Framework Act

Seminar Hosted by Park Suhyeon Brings Together Creators, Broadcasters, and Academia
Seeking a Balance Between Protection of Creators' Rights and Industrial Development in the AI Era

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly widespread, discussions on institutional reforms to balance the protection of creators' rights and the development of the industry are gaining momentum. Concerns are being raised over unauthorized use during AI training and exemptions for text and data mining (TDM), among other issues related to creators' rights. In this context, there is a growing call for new legislation to establish a copyright order suited to the AI era.

According to Representative Park Suhyeon’s office on July 30, Park stated at the seminar "Balancing Protection of Rights Holders in the Creative Industry and Industrial Development in the AI Era," held the previous day at the National Assembly Library, "It is necessary to incorporate compensation systems and rights protection provisions for creators into the AI Framework Act and the Copyright Act, and to establish institutional mechanisms to ensure transparency in the use of training data and prevent copyright infringement." The seminar was hosted by Park and organized by the Pan-Creators Policy Council and the Korea Broadcasters Association. In June, Park introduced an amendment to the "Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Establishment of a Trust-Based Environment (AI Framework Act)" that mandates efforts to disclose AI training data, establishes procedures for rights holder verification, and provides the basis for forming a public-private consultative body.

Nam Hyungdoo, a professor at Yonsei University, pointed out in his presentation that discussions on TDM exemptions and the expansion of fair use are skewed toward the interests of technology companies. He stated, "AI appropriates human creative works while evading responsibility." He added, "Copyright in the AI era can serve as a safeguard against dystopia."

Choi Seungjae, a professor at Sejong University, argued, "AI must obtain permission from copyright holders for the works it uses during training," and pointed out, "As seen in the case where OpenAI generated images in the style of Studio Ghibli, creators are subjected to use without receiving any compensation." He stressed, "Legislation must be based on the principle that AI is a tool for humans."

Representative Park Suhyeon stated, "Creation is not merely the production of content, but the most human form of expression, embodying emotions and the spirit of the times," and emphasized, "While industrial development is important, we must seek ways to achieve harmony and grow together."

Choo Gayul, president of the Korea Music Copyright Association, remarked, "Behind AI's capabilities lie the time and lives of rights holders," and added, "Now it is time for institutions, not technology, to provide answers." Bang Moonshin, president of the Korea Broadcasters Association, also stated, "Creative works, which are the core raw materials for AI development, must be protected as intellectual property."