President Lee Meets with Netflix and Disney: "New Opportunities in Korea... Full Government Support"

Meeting with MPA Executives:
"Korean Cultural Content Has Definite Potential"
MPA: "Investing in Partnerships with Korea's Creative Community... Introducing Korean Content to the World"

On September 7 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung met with executives from global content companies such as Netflix, Disney, and Sony Pictures. He expressed, "I hope we can create new opportunities in the Republic of Korea," and requested an expansion of investment in Korean content. He also conveyed the government's intent to provide full support for producing projects and developing storylines in Korea.

President Lee Jae-myung is meeting with representatives of member companies of the Motion Picture Association at the Mag Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, southern France, where the Lumiere Summit is being held, on the 7th (local time). 2026.9.8 Yonhap News Agency

Currently on a state visit to France, President Lee met with executives of member companies of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) at the Mag Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and stated, "Unlike in the past, the Republic of Korea is making a fresh new start in the field of cultural content industries."

Attendees included Charles Rivkin, MPA Chairman and CEO; Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix; Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures' Motion Picture Group; Donna Langley, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment; and Dana Walden, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of The Walt Disney Company. From Korea, Whiyoung Choi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Miky Lee, Vice Chairperson of CJ Group, were in attendance.

President Lee referenced Korea's achievements in rapid economic growth and democratization, noting that the competitiveness of K-content, which is now making its mark in the global marketplace, originates from the historical and cultural assets that Korean society has accumulated.

President Lee remarked, "Within that small territory, the same people have lived together for thousands of years, leading to countless stories and shared sentiments. When it comes to content source material, the more deeply you delve, the more endlessly abundant resources you will find."

He also cited Korea's high educational standards and meticulous production capabilities as key strengths of Korean content. Using Korea's excellence in sports like archery, shooting, and golf as examples, President Lee stated, "Our educational level is very high, there is enthusiasm and passion, and remarkable dexterity. These qualities will guarantee the cultural potential of Korea and ensure the delicacy and completeness of our works moving forward."

He especially highlighted the competitiveness of Korean content, noting that even without massive blockbuster production budgets, Korean creators can evoke empathy from audiences worldwide. President Lee added, "Even without enormous investments to make grand blockbusters, I believe Korea is unmatched when it comes to creating works that resonate deeply and move people’s hearts."

He then clearly expressed his commitment to government-level support for global content companies investing in Korea. President Lee said, "When it comes to producing works and developing content in Korea, I promise that the government will actively step forward and offer full-scale support." Addressing potential concerns about production budgets, he remarked, "In Korea, there are no cases where productions cannot go ahead due to enormous budget issues. There is nothing to worry about. You are welcome here." His comments were met with laughter and applause from attendees.

Chairman Rivkin also mentioned the keen interest of global companies in Korea’s cultural industry and creative ecosystem. Introducing the MPA member company executives present as "creative business leaders who lead the most powerful storytelling on earth," he stated, "They believe in Korea’s cultural industry, invest in partnerships with the Korean creative community, work to introduce American stories to Korean audiences, and are continually striving to bring Korean content to fans around the world."

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