Kim Taeheon, President of the Publishers Association: "An Era Where AI Reads Books... We Will Create a Fair Compensation System"

At First Press Conference, Kim Taeheon Addresses Copyright for AI Learning Data
Emphasizes Restoring Public Character of the Seoul International Book Fair

"Readers of books are no longer limited to humans. We have entered an era where AI also reads books."

On the 13th, at a restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Chairman Kim held his first press conference since taking office and said, "In the AI era, books are a very important learning data base," adding, "We will create a system where publishers and authors receive fair compensation and can also contribute to the development of the AI industry." Korean Publishers Association

Kim Taeheon, the newly appointed president of the Korean Publishers Association, has identified the establishment of a distribution system for learning data—premised on copyright protection and fair compensation—as a new task for the publishing industry in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). At his first press conference since taking office, held on May 13 at a restaurant in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kim stated, "Books are a very important learning data base in the AI era," adding, "We will create a system where publishers and authors receive fair compensation and can contribute to the development of the AI industry."

Kim emphasized that the publishing industry should be redefined not simply as the production of paper books, but as a knowledge property (IP) and service industry based on text content. He explained, "Books are data that have been verified and curated through authors and editors," and noted, "Because they are more efficient and accurate than ordinary web data, their value as AI learning data is increasing." The association plans to, after internal discussions within the publishing sector, establish a market where AI companies can purchase high-quality data at reasonable prices, and to promote measures to reduce copyright infringement issues arising from unauthorized use for AI training.

Kim also stated that perspectives on publishing need to change. He noted, "Although publishing is considered a cultural industry, so far, the emphasis has been too much on culture, lacking an industrial perspective," and added, "We will ensure that the flower of culture can bloom on a foundation where the publishing industry can achieve growth on its own." The association believes that early government-level support and institutional improvements, such as mandatory labeling of learning data, are also necessary to help the AI learning data market take root quickly.

Visitors are bustling at the "2025 Seoul International Book Fair" held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

The operation of the Seoul International Book Fair was also discussed as a major issue. Kim expressed regret that some publishers were unable to participate in this year's booth allocation process, saying, "It is heartbreaking to be embroiled in controversy, and I apologize to publishers." This year's Seoul International Book Fair will be held from June 24 to June 28 at COEX Hall A and B1 in Seoul. The association expects that, starting next year, as it will be possible to use both Halls A and B at COEX, a broader range of publishers wishing to participate will be accommodated.

Restoring the public character of the book fair was also presented as a key task for the new leadership. Kim said, "Our priority this year is to hold the book fair successfully," and added, "After the event, we will broadly discuss ways to strengthen the governance and public character of the event together with the publishing community." He continued, "The Seoul International Book Fair should evolve beyond a simple exhibition event into a platform for discussing copyright transactions, learning data in the AI era, technological changes in the publishing industry, and future visions."

Regarding relations with the government, Kim said that practical public-private governance is needed rather than confrontation. The association plans to work with the government to discuss a mid- to long-term structure for publishing promotion budgets spanning more than three years, and to strengthen its role as a policy platform in which both one-person publishers and large publishing houses can participate. Maintaining the fixed book price system, legislating lending periods, responding to illegal duplication of university textbooks, introducing vouchers, and improving unfair platform contracts were also presented as major tasks.

Kim Taeheon New Chairman of the Korean Publishers Association Press Conference. Korean Publishers Association

Kim was elected as the 52nd president of the Korean Publishers Association in February. His term is three years. As the CEO of Hanbit Media, he founded the company in 1993 and served as president of the Korean Publishers Society from 2021 to 2023.

At the end of the press conference, Kim stated, "Even as AI becomes a part of everyday life, the value of human thought and creativity remains unchanged," and added, "The association will become a proactive organization that overcomes challenges in the publishing industry together."

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