Photography Promotion Act Passes National Assembly Plenary Session... Lays Foundation for Photographers' Rights Protection

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on May 7 that the “Act on the Promotion of Photography (Photography Promotion Act)” was passed by the National Assembly in a plenary session.

Unlike other arts fields such as literature, film, and fine arts, the photography sector has so far lacked a dedicated law for its promotion. According to the Ministry, this new act provides a legal basis for systematically fostering the field of photography. The Photography Promotion Act is expected to invigorate the ecosystem for the creation, distribution, and enjoyment of photography—a key pillar of K-culture—and to significantly contribute to improving the quality of cultural life for the public.

The core of the Photography Promotion Act lies in establishing an institutional foundation for implementing systematic policies to promote photography. Going forward, the Ministry plans to formulate a “Basic Plan for the Promotion of Photography” every five years to advance photographic culture and industry. The basic plan will include mid- and long-term strategic directions for photography and the photography industry, improvements to relevant laws and systems, measures to stimulate creation and build an industrial ecosystem, professional workforce development, responses to changes in digital technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), and protection of intellectual property rights for photographic works—among other essential matters required for the advancement of the field. Regular surveys of the current state of the creative and distribution environments will also be conducted as a foundation for future policy development.

The Photography Promotion Act also contains specific measures for protecting the rights and interests of photographic creators and nurturing professional talent. The Ministry stated it will develop policies to safeguard the intellectual property rights of photographic works, implement technological protection measures, attach rights management information, and conduct related education and public awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to provide robust protection for the rights of photographic creators, which have become increasingly important amid recent digital and AI technology advancements. In addition, universities, research institutes, and relevant associations or organizations will be designated as institutions for nurturing professionals, with support provided for education and training costs to systematically develop the next generation of leaders in the photography field.

The Photography Promotion Act will take effect one year after its promulgation. The Ministry plans to collect ample feedback from photographers, academia, and industry stakeholders to prepare subordinate regulations and ensure the smooth implementation of effective systems once the law comes into force.

Minister Choi Hwi-Young of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, “Photography is an important medium of expression that encompasses daily life, art, culture, and industry. With the enactment of this law, we will provide systematic support for photographers and professionals in the photography industry and endeavor to help Korean photography shine even brighter on the global stage.”

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