The new fund expands the scale of previous government-backed cultural investment programs. Actual investment execution and industry outcomes, however, will become clearer after fund managers are appointed and capital deployment begins.
South Korea has begun establishing a KRW 150 billion K-Culture Value-Up Fund designed to support the country's content industry and artificial intelligence sector. The initiative is intended to provide larger-scale investment opportunities for content companies and AI technology developers.
On July 22, SayArt confirmed that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Financial Services Commission announced a public call for fund management firms. Proposals will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on August 12, with selected managers expected to be announced in September.
The fund will be created under the National Growth Fund framework. It will combine KRW 50 billion from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, KRW 30 billion from the Korea Development Bank and the Advanced Strategic Industry Fund, and at least KRW 70 billion from private investors, bringing the total fund size to KRW 150 billion.
Investment will be divided into two categories. KRW 100 billion will target artificial intelligence and intellectual property. Eligible companies include businesses developing AI-based content production technologies and companies utilizing intellectual property in sectors such as gaming, film, television, and music.
The remaining KRW 50 billion will be dedicated to content innovation. Investment is planned for companies involved in content production, distribution, and related businesses across the broader creative industry.
Previous cultural content funds established by the ministry were typically valued at around KRW 50 billion. The larger scale of the new fund is expected to enable bigger individual investments, although the actual investment pace and allocation will depend on future fund operations.
Korea Growth Investment Corporation, which manages the government fund-of-funds, plans to hold an investment briefing session. Further details are expected to be announced at a later date.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated that the initiative is part of its policy to strengthen investment in Korea's cultural and AI-powered content industries. The fund's long-term impact will be assessed after investment activities begin following the appointment of fund managers.
SayArt.net
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