"Is It Okay to Steal Creative Works for AI?"... Cultural Sector Opposes Government's Copyright Exemption Plan

"K-Content Ecosystem at Risk for Private Corporate Interests"
Newspaper Association Also Criticizes "Clear Free-Riding"
'AI Action Plan' Becomes a Legislative Flashpoint

National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee Yonhap News

The government's "copyright exemption" initiative, introduced to foster the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, has faced fierce backlash. Sixteen organizations representing Korea's cultural content sector, including broadcasting, music, and webtoons, have demanded the complete withdrawal of the government's "AI Action Plan," which seeks to allow AI models to learn from copyrighted works without permission.

On January 13, creative organizations such as the Korea Broadcasting Association issued a joint statement, asserting, "The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee's 'AI Action Plan' is an attempt that fundamentally undermines the rights of copyright holders," and called for an immediate review.

The conflict was sparked by a policy recommendation announced by the committee on December 15. The committee urged the government to resolve legal uncertainty by amending the Copyright Act and the Basic AI Act by the second quarter of this year, so that AI companies can use data without the risk of copyright lawsuits. In effect, this would pave the way for companies to use copyrighted works before obtaining permission and grant them immunity from legal responsibility.

Creators described the government's move as "a sacrifice of individual property rights-namely, copyright-for the commercial interests of private AI development companies." They criticized, "Even the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's existing 'Fair Use Guidelines' are insufficient to protect creators, and the plan to introduce a legal exemption is a blatantly biased policy that only serves the interests of AI companies." They further emphasized, "This is a self-defeating move in which the government is abandoning the sustainability of Korea's cultural industry."

Criticism also focused on the government's policy being out of step with global standards. Creators pointed out, "Obtaining permission from copyright holders is essential for AI training, and strengthening data transparency is a global trend, but our government is going against this." Unlike major countries such as the European Union, which are striving to balance AI regulation and creator protection, Korea is accused of being fixated on speed under the banner of innovation.

The backlash has spread from the entertainment industry to the media sector. The Korea Newspaper Association also recently submitted an opinion, stating, "Using AI training data without prior permission is a clear infringement of rights." The association argued that news content is the result of significant investment in knowledge and manpower, and that it should not be legally justified for AI companies to take and process this content for free or at a minimal cost, which would amount to "free-riding."

This statement brought together sixteen key organizations that form the backbone of Korean popular culture, including the Korea Broadcasting Association, the Korea Music Copyright Association, the Korea Broadcast Writers Association, and the Korea Scenario Writers Guild. They warned that they would respond strongly until the government revises its policy direction to be based on the principle of "fair compensation." The direct confrontation between a government prioritizing innovation and creators fighting for their livelihoods is expected to become the most contentious issue in the upcoming legislative process on AI.