Minister Choi Huieyoung: "Holdback Requires Collective Wisdom Through Public-Private Consultative Body" (Comprehensive)

Discussion on Screen Concentration and Policy Funds Within the Film Industry
Supplementary Budget of 65.6 Billion Won Injected: "Mid-Budget Films Must Keep Coming"
Expanded Support for Mid-Budget Films and Distribution of Discount Coupons

Choi Huieong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is sharing opinions with film industry figures on major issues such as "holdback" at a communication meeting for the recovery of the Korean film industry held on the 14th at Indieground in Jung-gu, Seoul.

On April 14, Choi Huieyoung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, met with film industry figures at Indieground in Jung-gu, Seoul, to discuss key issues such as the legislation of "holdback" (the grace period before a film moves from theatrical release to other channels like OTT) and restrictions on screen concentration.

The meeting was attended by Kim Byungin, President of the Korea Scenario Writers Association; Kim Seungbeom, CEO of Ninus Entertainment; Director Yang Wooseok; Lee Eun, President of the Korean Film Producers Association; Lee Hwabae, Head of the Distributors Alliance; and Choi Nak-yong, President of the Korean Art Cinema Association.

This gathering was held in response to recent concerns raised within the film industry. On April 7, the Distributors Alliance urged the formation of a permanent consultative body, stating that policies such as holdback legislation were being unilaterally pushed forward without collecting on-site industry opinions. On April 9, 581 film professionals—including Director Bong Joon-ho and Actor Park Joong-hoon—as well as thirteen organizations, called for structural reforms focused on addressing screen monopolization and establishing large-scale funds.

Choi Hwiyoung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is sharing opinions with film industry figures on key issues such as 'holdback' at a communication meeting for the recovery of the Korean film industry held on the 14th at Indieground in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The main point of contention at the meeting was the legislation of holdback. Theater operators have called for a legally mandated period before films become available on OTT platforms. In contrast, distributors and production companies countered that, amid shortened theatrical runs due to screen monopolization, legislating holdback would make it harder to recoup investments and would decrease audience accessibility—arguing that this is a misguided solution.

Minister Choi stated, "There are differing opinions on holdback within the film industry itself, and there is no definite direction set by the National Assembly either," adding, "This is a subject where the film industry, the Korean Film Council, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism should pool their wisdom publicly through a public-private consultative body."

Other topics raised included the introduction of a system to limit screen concentration, expansion of the minimum screening days, and an increase in policy funds. Minister Choi emphasized, "As the number of commercial film productions decreases, on-site staff cannot work regularly, and production capabilities are being shaken." He added, "It is important to create a structure in which at least a certain scale of production can be sustained." Minister Choi also noted, "The government and the film industry are not at odds in terms of direction. The important question now is how to translate this into specific action plans."

Choi Hwiyoung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is sharing opinions with film industry figures on key issues such as the "holdback" system at a communication meeting for the recovery of the Korean film industry held on the 14th at Indieground in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Minister Choi remarked, "When the film industry struggles, K-culture as a whole struggles," and unveiled plans to inject an additional 65.6 billion won through a supplementary budget. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will increase support for mid-budget film production by 26 billion won, adding a new support range for films with budgets between 10 billion and 15 billion won to the existing 2 billion to 10 billion won category. As a result, the number of mid-budget films receiving support this year has increased to about forty. Minister Choi said, "We need films like 'The King and the Clown' to be produced consistently in order to fully recover to pre-COVID-19 levels."

The ministry will also boost support for independent and art film production by 4.5 billion won and newly allocate 8 billion won to support production using advanced technologies such as VFX, CG, and AI. To stimulate theater attendance, 4.5 million discount coupons worth 6,000 won each will also be distributed. Minister Choi expressed his hope that "these measures will encourage the public to return to theaters, revitalizing the stagnant domestic market and improving people's livelihoods."

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