"Mutual growth requires fair remuneration"

Film director July Jung (L) speaks during a press conference at the Communication Building of the National Assembly, in Seoul on August 14, 2023.

(Image: Directors Guild of Korea, DGK)

On August 14th, film professionals gathered in the National Assembly's Communication Building to call for the quick approval of a copyright law revision to provide equitable payment for authors working in the audiovisual industry. 

Rep. Yoo Jung-joo of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) proposed a revision to the Copyright Law in August of last year in order to create a compensation system that would offer proportionate and just recompense for audiovisual authors. She was immediately followed by Sung Il-jong of the ruling People's Power Party (PPP), who proposed a similar plan the following month.

These were referred to the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee's bill subcommittee for review, but discussions have yet to begin. In response, the Directors Guild of Korea (DGK), the Screenwriters Guild of Korea (SGK), the Korea Independent Producers Association, and the Motion Pictures Association of Korea convened to express their concerns.

"The opposition of platform operators is said to be strong," Next Sohee Director July Jung noted. "Please stop opposing this for short-term benefit and recognize artists as your partners. Only then will we be able to continue creating works."

SGK's representative, Justin Byung-in Kim, similarly stressed the importance of the notion of proportional remuneration. In response to concerns that the presented measure might be unconstitutional owing to possible dual pay, he countered, "Are you saying that the copyright royalty system that has been in effect for over 30 years in the music and broadcasting industries is unconstitutional?"

Rep. Ryu Ho-jeong from the minor opposition Justice Party, authors organizations, and individuals who would be most impacted made statements in favor of the bill, before Rep. Yoo Jung-joo concluded by saying, "This law should have already been addressed by the subcommittee two months ago, but they refused to do so. [...] All European Union nations have passed fair compensation bills in the year since the Copyright Law bill was initially submitted, and there is right now strikes in Hollywood for proper remuneration."

In a statement read today by Director Jung Seung-koo, who is also a member of the DGK directing board, creators demanded active participation from the government and the National Assembly in creating a more sustainable working environment. "Creators want mutual growth with domestic platforms as well", said Jung. “If platforms report difficulty doing business while creators campaign for their legal rights, then the government and the National Assembly should intervene to both assist the platforms and preserve the rights of the artists."