Kim Young-chun Proposes Bill to Ban Screen Monopoly Exceeding 40%

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] A bill has been proposed to prevent a single movie from monopolizing more than 40% of screens in multiplex theaters.

Kim Young-chun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Busanjin-gu Gap, announced on the 27th that he has proposed a partial amendment to the "Act on the Promotion of Movies and Videos" (Movie and Video Act) containing this provision.

Kim stated, "The problems caused by the monopoly phenomenon where a few large-scale, high-budget movies occupy the majority of screens have been continuously pointed out."

Amendments to the Movie and Video Act reflecting the sense of crisis in the Korean film industry due to restrictions on screening opportunities for low-budget films such as independent and art films, and limitations on viewers' choice of movies, have already been proposed in large numbers. It is said that about four bills including restrictions on screen occupancy by the same movie have also been proposed.

Kim emphasized that his bill contains more effective restrictions than existing amendments. He explained, "By setting the screening frequency ratio limit at 40%, at least three or more movies will be screened simultaneously. By applying the 40% limit not only during the main movie viewing hours but also during other time slots, we aim to prevent the balloon effect where the top movie, losing screening times during the main viewing hours, monopolizes screens during early morning or late-night time slots."

He added, "The intention is not to limit the profits of major movies. Instead of taking an excessive screen share in a short period immediately after release, maintaining an appropriate share and screening for a longer period can secure enough audience." He refuted industry concerns, stating, "The ultimate goal is to create a set of rules for healthy competition and coexistence between top movies and smaller films, thereby fully unlocking the potential of our film industry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.