[2027 Budget Plan] Broadcasting, Media and Communications Committee Allocates 297.7 Billion Won, Focusing on AI and Media Sovereignty

First Budget Plan Since Establishment, Up 34.6 Billion Won from Previous Year
New 10 Billion Won Pilot Project for Building AI Training Data
Expansion of Transparency Center, Viewer Media Foundation, and Funds

The Broadcasting, Media and Communications Committee announced on the 1st that it has established its 2027 budget bill and fund management plan, amounting to a total of 297.7 billion won, an increase of 34.6 billion won compared to the previous year. The budget bill, drawn up for the first time since the committee’s establishment in October of last year, has focused resources on key priorities including supporting a major artificial intelligence (AI) transformation in the broadcasting and media industry, establishing a response system for online disinformation, and strengthening media sovereignty.

Kim Jongchul, Chairman of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Committee, attended the "Ministry of Science and ICT - Ministry of Education - Ministry of Gender Equality and Family - Broadcasting, Media and Communications Committee Business Agreement Ceremony for Establishing a Safe and Inclusive AI Science and Technology Foundation and Protecting Youth" held at Gajaeul Youth Center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul on the 26th, delivering a greeting. 2026.03.26 Photo by Dongju Yoon

The committee will first provide comprehensive support for the AI transformation of the broadcasting and media industry. It plans to newly allocate 10 billion won to a pilot project that processes video content owned by broadcasters into data for AI training, and will launch full-scale AI-based production solution vouchers and short-form production support programs for small and micro broadcasting companies starting next year. The budget for research and development (R&D) to support youth internships related to AI and secure original technology will also be significantly increased to boost industry competitiveness.

The committee has also secured budget for the operation and business activities of the "Information and Communication Services Transparency Center," which will be established under the revised Information and Communications Network Act implemented in July. Based on this, it expects to provide support for fact-checking organizations that respond to online disinformation and to smoothly carry out statutory tasks such as related research and education.

In addition, the committee will expand projects aimed at strengthening media sovereignty by broadening the participation of marginalized groups and regional media. The viewer competency education budget for the Viewer Media Foundation will be doubled from the previous year to 2.4 billion won, and the committee has also obtained 2.5 billion won each for the establishment of viewer media centers in North Gyeongsang Province and North Jeolla Province. The budget to provide TV receivers and develop an automated screen narration system to guarantee viewing rights for people with disabilities has also been increased. The committee's contribution to the "Digital Content Korea Fund," a joint initiative with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has been set at 5 billion won, ten times more than the previous year.

The committee plans to continue discussions with the National Assembly and budget authorities to secure additional funding for nationwide internet ethics education and AI voucher support for marginalized groups, both of which were reduced or omitted during government budget deliberations. Kim Jongchul, chairman of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Committee, said, "With this budget bill, we will strengthen the media sovereignty of the people and enhance our industry’s competitiveness to keep pace with a changing environment," adding, "We will realize a 'basic media society' where everyone can use safe and reliable media."

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