"Why Doesn't Growth Feel Real?"... Popular Music Industry Sits Down with Korea Creative Content Agency

Sales Up 15.8%, Exports Up 32.4%,
but the Need for Continuous and Integrated Support Confirmed

Last year, the domestic popular music industry showed remarkable growth. Sales increased by 15.8%, while exports rose by 32.4%. However, industry voices have pointed out that rising production and marketing costs, widening gaps between companies, and a lack of performance infrastructure lead to a different reality on the ground.

The Korea Creative Content Agency held a meeting on the 14th at the CKL Enterprise Support Center in Gwanghwamun, Seoul to discuss current issues in the domestic popular music industry.

The Korea Creative Content Agency held a meeting on the 14th at the CKL Enterprise Support Center in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to discuss these current issues. President Kim Yoon-ji personally sought ways to provide continuous support for the popular music industry by meeting with industry stakeholders.

The attendees included Woo Seung-hyun, president of the Korea Popular Music Industry Association, Ko Ki-ho, president of the Korea Popular Music Performance Industry Association, Park Jung-yong, head of the Live Club Cooperative, Cha Hae-ri, CEO of Parasta Entertainment, Kim Jae-hyung, director of The Muse Entertainment, and Park Jin-woo, CEO of Nave. Discussions covered strengthening the foundation of competitive music enterprises, improvement of performance infrastructure, enhancement of support for overseas expansion, and systems for supporting indie artists.

There was also an opinion that it is necessary to ensure continuous support so that companies and intellectual properties (IP) with market competitiveness can advance to the next level. Woo Seung-hyun pointed out, "Sometimes, mid-sized companies, which are the backbone of the industry, are left out from support," adding, "Support is needed for companies with proven IP to overcome stagnation and continue nurturing their IP."

Participants also noted that the music business is expanding beyond music production and albums to include video, fandom content, merchandise, and performances. They agreed that there is a need for an integrated support system that does not end with single-year production assistance, but instead links production, marketing, performances, and overseas expansion in accordance with the different developmental stages of each company.

This year, the Korea Creative Content Agency will launch new projects with a total budget of 8.4 billion won. Of this, 2.4 billion won will go to invigorating local popular music performances, 3 billion won will support global advancement by small and medium-sized agencies, and another 3 billion won will be allocated to nurturing professionals in the popular music business. Participants expressed agreement with this direction and requested that government support should move toward fostering a symbiotic relationship with the private sector ecosystem.

Based on the feedback gathered during this meeting, the Korea Creative Content Agency plans to further enhance its support programs and review policy improvements with relevant organizations. President Kim Yoon-ji stated, "I agree with the industry’s view that in order for K-pop and K-music to possess international competitiveness, not only systematic support but also infrastructure and policy upgrades are essential." She added, "We will consolidate field opinions, strengthen the foundation of the music industry, and lead the sustainable growth of K-content."

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