KCCI's 'Challenge Beyond Old Systems' Becomes a Documentary

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] A documentary about the sandbox approval process for startups struggling under outdated systems is being released. The intention is to simplify the complex laws and regulations somewhat and highlight the necessity of the sandbox.

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced on the 10th that two documentaries capturing about 270 days of the Sandbox Support Center's journey have been produced and will be broadcast on the 14th at 7:40 AM on SBS's "Sunday Special Documentary" and at 8:30 AM on JTBC's "Docu Plus" program. The sandbox refers to a system that, like a children's sand playground, allows companies to try new things by temporarily easing regulations under certain conditions.

Park Yong-man, chairman of the KCCI, said in the documentary, "Even if the times change, technology advances, and ideas develop, if it doesn't fit into what was created in the past, you can't do it. This was the decisive moment that made the Chamber turn its attention to reforming laws and systems." The KCCI Sandbox Support Center was launched last May.

The documentary will introduce various innovative cases that have come closer to our daily lives through the sandbox. Natuspin's "PetMeUp" is a taxi service exclusively for pets, allowing use together with pets without fear of ride refusal. It is also equipped with convenience items such as waste pads, making it very popular among pet owners. Previously, there was a lack of understanding about animal transportation, and it was interpreted as passenger transportation, which posed legal risks. However, by officially receiving special exemptions through the sandbox, dogs and cats now have a path to move comfortably anywhere.

The urban patrol drone by Mujigae Research Institute is similar. It is an innovative technology that uses drones instead of people to inspect road surfaces or building cracks in urban areas, but business promotion was difficult due to various flight zone restrictions and regulations. By receiving sandbox special approval, it was able to take to the skies.

In particular, JTBC's documentary will convey cases that have come to light through the sandbox with vivid voices from Chairman Park. A representative example is startup Sheco's marine pollution treatment robot "ShecoArc." ShecoArc is a remotely controlled robot equipped with a device that separates oil and water inside. Because it is remotely controlled, there is no risk of human exposure to harmful gases. Previously, only "marine pollution prevention operators" owning three or more vessels could perform oil recovery operations at sea, but through the sandbox system, products from small startups can now go out to sea.

The documentary also covers cases currently under sandbox review. MGRV's "Co-living" is a representative example. Co-living is a new form of housing that minimizes private space while sharing kitchens and exercise facilities. It is emerging as an alternative to alleviate youth housing difficulties in urban areas, but it is difficult to activate domestically because there are no regulations for co-living under current systems. This starkly shows how laws and systems created during the past high-growth era are blocking new business ideas.

Both documentaries also depict the efforts of Chairman Park Yong-man and the KCCI Sandbox Center to solve these challenges. The footage will show Chairman Park meeting startup representatives, listening to and empathizing with difficulties caused by outdated laws, and together appealing to the National Assembly for legislative improvements during their journey.

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