South Korea’s culture minister nominee Chae Hwi‑young told a National Assembly confirmation hearing on 29 July that he will expand the country’s cultural and content economy to 300 trillion won ($215 billion) by the end of the decade, powered by artificial intelligence.
He referenced 2023 data showing 154 trillion won in domestic sector sales and $13.3 billion in exports, arguing that continuous 5–6 percent growth makes his target realistic. To reach it he pledged policy‑based lending, new tax credits and fresh research funds for cultural‑technology so studios, game companies and webtoon publishers can scale overseas.
A cornerstone of the blueprint is an AI programme spanning creation, production and distribution, underpinned by dedicated training datasets drawn from Korean heritage. His vision dovetails with a bill that advanced through parliament last week, establishing a 50 trillion won AI investment fund via an expanded Korea Development Bank mandate.
Chae also promised to attract 30 million foreign visitors a year by fusing entertainment IP with upgraded travel services and digital ticketing. If confirmed he would become the first private‑sector executive to run the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, bringing experience from portal giant NHN and travel platform Nol Universe.
Lawmakers nonetheless questioned alleged profits from the mid‑2000s “Sea Story” arcade‑gambling scandal during his NHN tenure; Chae rejected the charge and vowed a review of ministry appointments to guard against conflicts. Independent outlets reported further scrutiny of real‑estate dealings and hiring practices, issues he said would not distract from content‑industry reform.
Observers note that the “K‑culture” brand already enjoys global pull—K‑pop, drama and gaming exports have kept rising despite a softening wider trade balance—and the Korea Creative Content Agency projects the figure could top $20 billion within two years. President Lee Jae‑myung will receive the Assembly’s report next week, leaving the nominee’s AI‑centric blueprint—and the goal of a $215 billion creative market—hinging on a final signature.
