Lee and Macron Unite for 'Human-Centered Creativity' in the Age of AI, Proposing New Order for the Video Industry

Lee Pays State Visit to France; Attends Lumiere Summit

Lee: "Turning Crisis into Opportunity through Innovation and Creativity"

Macron Warns of Threats to Cultural Sovereignty and Shifts in Consumption

International Film and Video Summit Draws 274 Participants from 58 Countries

Exploring Solutions: Cinemas, Copyright, and Local Content

Korea and France to Invest 1 Billion Euros Over Five Years Starting 2027

President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed that, in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and global platforms are shaking the film and video industries, "human creativity" must remain at the center of the industry. President Lee emphasized "mutual growth," connecting technological innovation to creator development and the global reach of local content, while President Macron warned that the platform economy—which commodifies even the way content is consumed—and AI have the potential to undermine cultural sovereignty.

President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron shook hands on the 7th (local time) at the Mag Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where the international film and video summit 'Lumière Summit' is being held. 2026.9.7 Yonhap News Agency

On September 7 (local time), the two leaders attended the opening ceremony of the "Lumiere Summit" at the Mag Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, southern France, as co-chairs and presented their respective visions for the future of the video industry. This international summit, convened for the first time with film and video as its sole agenda, gathered 274 participants from 58 countries, including culture ministers, representatives from international organizations, film and video companies and organizations, directors, and actors.

President Macron arrived at the Mag Foundation before President Lee and waited at the entrance. When President Lee's car arrived at around 10:16 a.m., Macron greeted him with a handshake, and the two leaders continued their conversation as they walked to the venue. After a commemorative photo, they entered the hall together, with President Macron giving the opening speech first, followed by President Lee.

President Lee referred to the post-COVID-19 shift in viewing habits, the spread of OTT services, and AI technology, stating that "failing to respond properly to changing times means certain crisis," but also clarified, "responding proactively also means clear opportunities." As solutions, he presented four themes: overcoming the crisis facing cinemas; harmonious coexistence between human creativity and AI; safeguarding cultural diversity through independent films; and mutual growth between local and global ecosystems.

President Lee further pointed out that, while AI creates opportunities for video production with fewer people and lower costs, it simultaneously gives rise to job losses, as well as issues such as the cloning of actors' appearances and voices, and copyright and training data concerns. He emphasized that "we must create an era where AI develops in a more responsible and human-centric way, and where its benefits create opportunities for all." He defined the film and video sector as "an industry in which, more than any other, people are at the center," and said that AI should be used to help realize human potential.

President Macron took this a step further, focusing on how the emergence of AI and social media has transformed methods of content consumption. With an overflow of content—not just in cinemas but also on TVs, gaming consoles, and smartphones—he observed, "We may be looking at screens more than ever, but if we watch endlessly, we risk seeing nothing at all."

President Macron also expressed concern that, as platforms compete to capture users' attention and time, there is a risk of an increase in content aimed at fleeting stimulation and immediate responses, rather than works that invite deep thought and emotional resonance. He stressed that "creating a work requires emotion, reflection, attentiveness, and time."

He made it clear that AI must not replace human creators. While AI can enhance production capabilities and reduce costs, he said, it must not move in the direction of replacing writers, creators, or voice actors. He also emphasized the need for copyright protection, prevention of illegal reproduction, and the establishment of transparent standards to distinguish between human-created works and those generated by AI.

In response to the challenges posed by AI, President Lee presented cinemas and independent films as solutions. He acknowledged that cinemas have been placed in crisis due to declining audiences since the COVID-19 pandemic but insisted, "We must ensure that the cinemas we remember and love are passed on to the next generation." He said there should be more films worth watching in theaters, and greater viewing experiences for younger generations. He also stated, "Independent films are the future of the film industry and its continuous growth engine."

Regarding global OTT platforms, President Lee addressed both their achievements and drawbacks. He recognized that leading global platforms have helped content like K-content cross borders, but also noted the emergence of new challenges such as the diminished influence of local broadcasters and the need for mutual growth between producers and platforms. "We will take responsible action to ensure that mutual growth and coexistence between local and global entities becomes the first principle of the world’s film and video industry," he stated.

In response, President Macron asserted that no country can tackle these transformations alone, underscoring the need for "multilateralism in the video sector." He cited Korean films and dramas as examples, noting that a culture can achieve global influence without losing its unique identity.

President Lee Jae-myung delivers the opening speech at the international film and video summit "Lumiere Summit" held at the Mag Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, southern France, on the 7th (local time). This summit is co-chaired by Korea and France. 2026.9.7 Yonhap News Agency

The two leaders channeled these concerns into concrete investment. Korea and France will each invest 500 million euros (approximately 780 billion won) in the film and video industry from 2027 to 2031. Under the so-called "Lumiere Partnership," each country will support its domestic video industry companies through independent funds, and then expand collaboration via joint production and other initiatives.

President Lee said, "Constant innovation and outstanding creativity are the secrets to turning crisis into opportunity," while President Macron emphasized that instead of rejecting the technological revolution, "We must be the ones to decide what we are going to do next."

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