Party and Government "Considering Introduction of Punitive Damages and Reward System for Reporting to Eradicate Illegal Distribution of Content" (Comprehensive)

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to Soon Prepare Comprehensive Measures to Eradicate Illegal Distribution
Promotion of Harsher Sentencing Standards for Illegal Content Distribution

The ruling party and the government have agreed to actively pursue the introduction of a "punitive damages system" and the enhancement of sentencing guidelines in relation to the illegal distribution of content such as 'NunuTV.' They also decided to consider the introduction and application of a "reward system for reporting."

On the 31st, Park Dae-chul, chairman of the Policy Committee of the People Power Party, and Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, held the "People-Government Consultative Meeting on Eradicating Illegal Distribution of K-Content" at the National Assembly, where they reached this consensus.

After the consultation, Chairman Park briefed, saying, "The people and government share the recognition that illegal distribution of content such as 'NunuTV' and so-called 'theft viewing,' which involves watching content for free without paying the rightful price, not only disrupts the entire ecosystem of the content industry but also hinders the development of related industries." He then revealed the direction of measures to prevent illegal distribution of K-content.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He stated, "To eradicate illegal content distribution, the government will have a strong policy will and establish a permanent cooperation system among related ministries to block illegal distribution sites and investigate operators, thereby creating a prompt and efficient response system." The ruling party and government’s solution is to strengthen penalties. Chairman Park introduced, "To strongly sanction illegal content distribution, we will promote the introduction of a 'punitive damages system' and actively consider raising sentencing guidelines through consultations with the Sentencing Commission within the Supreme Court." Regarding the specifics of the punitive damages system, Minister Park explained, "In the proposal by People Power Party lawmaker Lee Yong-ho, damages can be up to three times, and in the proposal by independent lawmaker Park Wan-joo, up to five times. This part will be further discussed in the National Assembly."

Chairman Park added, "Regarding sites that play hide-and-seek as if mocking the government's efforts to block illegal content distribution, we agreed to improve the review system to enable swift blocking. For sites with servers overseas, we will form a joint investigation team with the United States and actively pursue joining international agreements." Additionally, they plan to strengthen public awareness campaigns and enhance copyright education targeting youth.

Chairman Park introduced, "During today's discussion, the opinion to apply the reward system for reporting was raised, and it was decided to positively review and promote it." Minister Park explained in this regard, "When reporting public interest violations, the whistleblower is covered under the Public Interest Whistleblower Protection Act. Those covered by this act are entitled to rewards up to 3 billion KRW and various legal protections and support."

They also decided to push for specific legislation and budget allocation. Chairman Park said, "To enhance the effectiveness of the measures, we will promptly revise related laws such as the 'Act on the Establishment and Operation of the Korea Communications Commission' and the 'Copyright Act,' and secure budgets for building a comprehensive system." Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and others will introduce a comprehensive 'K-Content Illegal Distribution Eradication Plan.'

Earlier, in public remarks by the ruling party and government, Lee Yong-ho, the People Power Party floor leader of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, also stated, "We will promptly discuss and pass related laws in the Culture Committee."

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