South Korean President pledges media reform and K-content support

At the 63rd Broadcasting Day ceremony, President Lee Jae-myung pledged to implement a ‘media basic society’ by ensuring the independence and autonomy of the broadcasting industry. In a congratulatory message read by the Senior Secretary for Public Relations and Communication, the President emphasized the need to restore public interest and reform outdated regulations to help the industry navigate the rapid digital and AI-driven transition.

The government intends to support innovation and growth through the newly established Korea Communications Commission. President Lee also highlighted the global success of K-content, attributing it to the creativity and challenges taken by broadcasters, and promised to improve the regulatory environment to enhance competitiveness.

Separately, Ahn Hyung-jun, Chairman of the Korea Broadcasting Association, called for a shift in perspective, urging the government to treat broadcasting as a strategic industry rather than a regulated sector. He noted that the current structural issues, where content investment does not always lead to sustainable revenue, could threaten the quality of information and viewer rights. He requested legislative and governmental support to ensure the industry can continue to serve as the foundation for K-content's global expansion.