Ministry of Culture Fills Vacant Positions Amid Budget Cuts and Leadership Void

Courtesy of MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has appointed two new board members to the state-run Korean Film Council (Kofic) amid its ongoing search for a new chairman.

Culture Minister Yu In-chon named filmmaker Yang Yun-ho, head of the Motion Pictures Association of Korea, and former Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival director Han Sang-jun as non-standing commissioners on Friday.

Kofic, which comprises nine commissioners, including a full-time chairman and eight board members, has been operating without a chairman since the term of former chairman Park Ki-yong expired in January. The council also had another board member's term expire recently.
 

▲ From left, Yang Yun-ho, Yu In-chon and Han Sang-jun / Courtesy of MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISMThe newly appointed members will serve a three-year term starting Friday. According to the Culture Ministry, the selection was based on recommendations from other film organizations, considering the appointees' expertise, insight in film art and industry, and their leadership experience in academia and the field.

Despite these new appointments, Kofic has faced challenges due to government budget cuts affecting the cultural arts sector. This financial strain led to the cancellation of its annual exchange events at major film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, which are crucial for promoting Korean films and facilitating industry networking.

The council continues to operate without a chairman, a position filled by election among the nine commissioners. The vacancies have hindered Kofic's ability to fully execute its role in leading the Korean film industry.

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