On December 16, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (the “MCST”) announced its “2026 Action Plan of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.” The four key priority tasks for 2026 under the Action Plan are:
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1.
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Positioning “K‑Culture” as a core future growth industry;
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2.
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Strengthening the foundation of Korea as a cultural powerhouse;
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3.
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Accelerating the achievement of 30 million inbound tourists through “K‑Tourism”; and
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4.
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Promoting sports as a trustworthy recreation and a healthier population.
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Key points under each task are summarized below.
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1.
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Positioning K‑Culture as a core future growth industry
The MCST classified key K‑Culture industries into film/video/animation, games, popular music, webtoons/web novels, and publishing, and developed tailored support strategies based on sector-specific challenges.
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1)
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Game industry:
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(i)
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Diversify export markets beyond Korea by expanding localization support in North America and Southeast Asia (KRW 2.45 billion in 2026);
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(ii)
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Support platform expansion from mobile to PC and console; and
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(iii)
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Scale-up policy funds to enable the development of blockbuster IP titles.
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2)
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Film and video content:
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(i)
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Expand production support for projects in which production companies and domestic OTT platforms jointly own intellectual property (KRW 39.9 billion in 2026); and
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(ii)
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Amend the Motion Pictures and Video Products Act to formally recognize OTT films as “films” under the law.
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3)
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Popular music:
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(i)
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Construct a 50,000‑seat domed venue;
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(ii)
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Provide funding up to KRW 12 billion to improve performance facilities at multi‑purpose sports venues; and
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(iii)
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Prepare to host the large‑scale K‑Culture flagship event “FANOMENON” scheduled for 2027.
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Original IP development:
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(i)
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Commercialize an original IP exchange platform, including platforms for creators and content producers, as well as B2B matching platforms; and
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(ii)
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Launch new strategic funds that has no restriction against investments into large corporations or specific content sectors.
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2.
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Strengthening the foundation of Korea as a cultural powerhouse
To foster a free and stable environment for artistic creation, the MCST plans to expand financial and institutional support for artists. This includes annual grants of KRW 9 million per year for 3,000 young creators, contributions to the Artists’ Welfare Fund (KRW 5 billion), and continued operation of the Artist Activity Preparation Fund (KRW 55 billion).
In addition, the MCST announced plans to amend the Act on the Status and Rights of Artists. While investigations into human rights violations currently require a victim’s report or consent, the proposed amendment would introduce ex officio investigations and third-party reporting, aiming to address blind spots in the protection of artists’ rights.
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Accelerating the achievement of 30 million inbound tourists through “K‑Tourism”
To reach the 2030 target of 30 million inbound tourists ahead of schedule, the MCST plans a fundamental overhaul of the national tourism policy framework. In particular, the role of the “National Tourism Strategy Meeting” will be strengthened as the top decision‑making body in the tourism sector, establishing a pan‑government approach involving the Ministry of Justice (immigration), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (transportation), the Ministry of Health and Welfare (accommodation), and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (food and beverages).
The MCST also plans to support the development and promotion of integrated tourism products combining casinos with performances, shopping, and medical services. We note, however, that President Lee Jae‑myung has expressed the view that licenses for foreigner-only casinos should not be granted to private operators, and that such licenses should instead be held by public entities, with revenues used for public benefit.
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Promoting sports as a trustworthy recreation and a healthier population
To eradicate violence in sports, the MCST announced strengthening safeguards, including a principle-based ban on competition participation upon reports of sexual violence, the convening of the Sports Fairness Committee within 48 hours, and the addition of provisions to standard coaching contracts allowing termination in case of violence.
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Based on this 2026 Action Plan, the MCST is expected to pursue various legislative amendments and policy initiatives throughout 2026, making continued monitoring advisable. Separately, during the briefing on the MCST’s Action Plan, President Lee Jae‑myung specifically highlighted issues related to loot‑box‑type random items in the game industry and called for stronger enforcement measures. The President directly criticized the current legal framework, which is centered on corrective recommendations and orders, as indirect, complex, and lacking effectiveness. He instructed relevant authorities to consider introducing stronger economic sanctions, such as administrative fines that would allow for the direct disgorgement of unjust profits obtained through violations. Accordingly, game companies should enhance the transparency of probability disclosures and closely monitor forthcoming legislative and regulatory developments in this area.
[Korean Version]
