Ten Million Directors Gathered in Yeouido "Separate Compensation System Needed Besides Copyright Fees"

Film Directors Gathered at the National Assembly
Policy Debate on Partial Amendment to Copyright Act
Urging Separate Compensation System

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Director Hwang Dong-hyuk struck gold with 'Squid Game,' watched by 100 million people worldwide, yet ended up empty-handed, while Director Park Chan-wook received royalties as the author of 'Decision to Leave' in France. Why was that?

Directors who have led Chungmuro and achieved 10 million viewers gathered not in a cinema but in Yeouido. DGK (Directors Guild of Korea) and Democratic Party lawmaker Yoo Jung-joo, along with about 150 others, urged for amendments to the law to ensure fair compensation for creators of audiovisual works.

Directors Yoon Je-kyun, Kim Han-min, Kim Yong-hwa, Kang Je-gyu, and Kang Yoon-sung argued at the policy forum titled "10 Million Viewers Directors Finally to the National Assembly: Discussing Fair Compensation," held on the morning of the 31st at the National Assembly Members' Office Building large conference room in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, that the current contract practices between domestic audiovisual producers and directors, as well as shortcomings in copyright law, are causes of the problem, highlighting the need for legislative amendments.

On that day, Lawmaker Yoo prepared a copyright law amendment bill, co-sponsored with other lawmakers, which stipulates that "the author of an audiovisual work who has transferred copyright for production purposes has the right to receive compensation from the final supplier of the audiovisual work," and submitted it with signatures.

They argued that it is urgent to establish a system in the content market where audiovisual creators receive fair compensation proportional to the use of their works. Unlike K-pop creators who earn royalties worldwide, K-content creators lack a system to receive fair compensation commensurate with global usage. In contrast, countries such as France and Colombia are explained to have systems ensuring fair compensation for audiovisual authors.

Regarding the criticism of the partial amendment to the copyright law as "double payment of remuneration," lawyer Kim Jeong-hyun emphasized, "This introduces a concept of compensation separate from copyright royalties, so it does not constitute double payment."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The '10 million viewers directors' gathered not in a cinema but in Yeouido also took the microphone.

Director Kim Han-min, who directed 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents' and 'Hansan,' recalled, "After my first work 'The Murder at Gukrakdo' (2007), I failed in the next project and was preparing 'War of the Arrows' when I saw my film aired on cable TV. I was hungry then, so I thought it might help." He added, "This law will be an important foundation for many directors and writers to endure in the future."

Yoon Je-kyun, DGK president and director of multiple 10 million viewer films such as 'Haeundae' and 'Ode to My Father,' said, "There are about 500 directors affiliated, and many members earn less than 20 million KRW annually on average. Some earn a lot, but there are juniors in difficult situations. I hope this helps them at least to make a living." He continued, "K-content is gaining attention in the global market, but to sustain it, talented and excellent people must participate in creation."

Director Kang Yoon-sung, who directed 'The Outlaws,' said, "Film directors spend 1 to 2 years, sometimes over 10 years, developing a scenario." He added, "Once work begins, all rights are transferred to the production company. The passion and effort poured in are all included in the contract fee. Later, when the work is screened on other media, I feel that fair compensation is not received."

Director Kang Je-gyu, known for 'Shiri' and 'Taegukgi,' recalled, "My film was broadcast on French TV, and I was contacted about receiving copyright royalties. It was the first time. It wasn't a large amount, but I envied many European creators who work with respect." He added, "In Korea, all creators' rights belong to investors and production companies, so creators receive no returns."

Director Kim Yong-hwa, who directed the 'Along with the Gods' series, said, "After the hits '200 Pounds Beauty' and 'Take Off,' the OST became popular. Whenever songs inserted in the films were sung in karaoke or aired on TV, the music director received high monthly income. I was very envious of KOMCA (Korea Music Copyright Association)."

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