The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), in collaboration with the Korea Copyright Commission, will host an event to unveil plans for strengthening choreography copyright protection. The event, scheduled for December 23, 2:00 PM, will take place at the Seoul Office of the Korea Copyright Commission in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

As K-pop continues to thrive globally, its choreography has emerged as a critical component of its success. However, despite its cultural and economic significance, insufficient awareness about choreography copyright and entrenched contract practices have left creators inadequately protected.

In response, the MCST has outlined a series of measures aimed at safeguarding the rights of choreographers while fostering sustainable growth within the K-pop industry. The event will reveal the findings of a comprehensive study conducted throughout the year, incorporating input from choreographers, academics, industry representatives, and legal professionals. The ministry will also introduce the Choreography Copyright Guidebook designed to help creators better understand and exercise their rights.

Key proposals to protect choreography copyrights include enhancing the choreography copyright registration system through improved classification methods, establishing standards for name attribution rights through choreography associations, developing fair contract practices to ensure equitable agreements, creating a centralized organization to manage choreography copyrights, and introducing a licensing system for choreography to address copyright issues in K-pop dance and cover dance practices.

The Choreography Copyright Guidebook will provide essential information on copyright laws and systems relevant to choreography creators. It includes sections on understanding and utilizing choreography copyrights, distinguishing choreographers’ roles, registration procedures, remedies for copyright infringement, and case studies to offer practical guidance for creators seeking to protect and assert their rights.

Prominent figures will attend the event to discuss the research findings and future steps for enhancing choreography copyright protection. Participants include Professor Gye Seung Gyun (Pusan National University), attorney Hong Seung Gi (Legal Ethics Committee), Ria Kim (President, Korean Choreography Copyright Association), Professor Kim In Chul (Sangmyung University), attorney Kim Jung Min (Director, Choreography Copyright Society), and Choi Jin Hoon (Legal Team Leader, MBC). An open Q&A session will provide an opportunity for direct interaction with attendees.

Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com