Under Minister Park Bo-gyun of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, "We Will Communicate with a Humble Attitude"

"K-Culture is a 'Korea Brand'... Policy Made with a Spirit of Freedom"
"Employees Should Listen and Interact with an Open Mind, Not Expect Formality"

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism embarks on a new chapter under Minister Park Bo-gyun. The newly appointed minister held his inauguration ceremony on the 16th at the Ministry of Culture auditorium in Building 15 of the Government Complex Sejong. In his inaugural speech, he stated, "The qualifications and conditions of a first-class nation are not fulfilled by economic power and military strength alone. Culture must prosper," adding, "The design of cultural policies must begin with knowing and understanding the people involved." He emphasized, "Only policies born from humble communication and empathy can truly live and breathe."

Minister Park also mentioned President Yoon Seok-yeol's emphasis on 'rediscovering the value of freedom.' He said, "Freedom bestows outstanding originality, bold innovation, and aesthetic sensitivity and talent in culture and the arts," and added, "The spirit of freedom must be embedded in policy agendas." He further stressed, "Only when all citizens share and enjoy culture fairly and without discrimination can we build a nation where the people are the true owners." The Yoon administration has already concretized related plans by opening the Blue House. Minister Park remarked, "The significance of opening the Blue House is immense, and its symbolism is outstanding. Its scenery inspires us with various stimuli and imagination," and stated, "I will also present the work attitude and direction of our ministry from my own perspective and approach."

Regarding the recently emerging K-Culture, he praised it as a "brand of the Republic of Korea." Minister Park said, "A solid foundation has been firmly laid to become a 'culturally attractive nation and cultural powerhouse.' Our Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has taken the lead in creating much of this," expressing, "It is an honor and a joy to work with all of you who have received such proud recognition." He then explained his history of leading the campaign to repurchase the Korean Empire Legation building in the United States, asserting, "The discovery, enhancement, and expansion of cultural heritage values will greatly boost the competitiveness of K-Culture." He was the key figure who generated public opinion for the legation's repurchase through columns and lectures. Before its actual realization, he visited the site twenty times to collect data and conduct research. The Cultural Heritage Administration repurchased the Korean Empire Legation in 2012. After restoration and repairs, it reopened in May 2018.

The basic framework of future policies is expected to focus on cultural welfare. Minister Park said, "I believe that improving the cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism environment for people with disabilities will improve these environments for everyone," emphasizing, "Support measures for related industries that have suffered long-term difficulties due to COVID-19 must continue to be carefully prepared." He pledged, "We must listen and engage with an open mind without relying on formalities," and "To proactively and systematically carry out these efforts, I will take the lead in performing my duties as minister."

After the inauguration ceremony, Minister Park met with heads of affiliated organizations in the Ministry of Culture's main conference room to convey the importance of ensuring fair opportunities for cultural enjoyment. His full-scale duties will begin on the 17th. He plans to visit the National Seoul National Cemetery to pay respects at the national gravesite and to communicate with field representatives from various sectors.

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