Minister Choi Hwiyoung: "Cultural Industry Recognized as a Key Driver for APEC's Future and Shared Prosperity"

Minister Choi Hwiyoung:
"Unanimous Support for the Joint Statement by All Member Economies Is a Remarkable Achievement"
"Great Interest in Korea's Cultural Heritage...
Korea Should Lead International Cultural Discussions"

"The most significant aspect is that the value of the cultural industry has been officially recognized as a future growth engine, as well as a driving force for shared growth within the region."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwiyoung made this statement at a press conference after the plenary session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 Cultural Industry High-Level Dialogue, held on August 27 at the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwiyeong Choi is explaining the content and achievements of the meeting at a press conference after the plenary session of the 'APEC 2025 Cultural Industry Senior Dialogue' held on the 27th at the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk.
[Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism]

Minister Choi Hwiyoung: "Unanimous Support for the Joint Statement by All Member Economies Is a Remarkable Achievement"

This meeting drew attention as it marked the first time since APEC's founding in 1989 that the organization, which has primarily focused on economic issues such as trade, energy, and the digital economy, addressed the cultural industry as a major agenda item. The inaugural APEC Cultural Industry High-Level Dialogue adopted a joint statement based on the following pillars: a shared recognition of the economic importance of cultural and creative industries; the promotion of innovation in creation and distribution through digital and AI technologies; and the establishment of a sustainable cooperation system founded on respect for cultural diversity. The plenary session concluded with the adoption of this joint statement.

Minister Choi explained, "All member economies expressed their support for the joint statement, leading to its adoption at the Cultural Industry High-Level Dialogue," adding, "The fact that all member economies reached a consensus is a highly significant achievement."

Minister Choi emphasized, "We confirmed that the cultural and creative industries can open new horizons for cultural and economic cooperation by revitalizing people-to-people exchanges and promoting tourism within the region. We also recognized that advances in digital technology, including AI, will drive innovation throughout the entire process of cultural and creative industries and spread creativity." However, Minister Choi added, "We also agreed on the need for collective attention and efforts to protect rights, recognizing the impact of AI on jobs in the cultural sector and the rights of creators."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwiyeong Choi is explaining the content and achievements of the meeting at a press conference after the main session of the 'APEC 2025 Cultural Industry Senior Dialogue' held on the 27th at the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk.
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

"Great Interest in Korea's Cultural Heritage... Korea Should Lead International Cultural Discussions"

Minister Choi Hwiyoung presided over this major international event less than a month after taking office on July 31, serving as the chair of the APEC 2025 Cultural Industry High-Level Dialogue.

Minister Choi stated, "I was able to confirm that many countries have a genuine and significant interest in Korea's cultural heritage," and reflected, "In that regard, I believe Korea should take a more proactive and leading role in future cultural discussions."

Regarding aspects of Korean culture that attracted special attention from other countries, Minister Choi mentioned K-pop. He explained, "Recently, global interest in K-culture, including K-pop, has grown significantly, and because this high-level dialogue was held in Korea, there were many questions and consultations in that field. There were also many discussions about areas such as K-pop, dramas, films, and games, where Korea continues to achieve industrial success."