MCST Allocates Record-High 240.6 Billion Won for Cultural Technology... Boosting AI Performances and Copyrights

[Financial News] The MCST has allocated a record-high budget of 240.6 billion won for the creation of a cultural technology ecosystem next year. It plans to promote new research and development (R&D), including AI-based immersive performances, museum and art gallery technology, and AI copyright verification, and to connect this to technology commercialization and private investment.
According to the MCST on the 8th, the government's proposed budget for the cultural technology ecosystem in 2027 has increased by 29.1 billion won (13.7%) compared to this year's 211.5 billion won. It consists of 177.4 billion won for R&D, 3.2 billion won for commercialization support, and 60 billion won for the K-Culture Value-Up Fund. Based on the figures in the government proposal, R&D accounts for 73.7% of the total, creating a structure centered on technology development. The government proposal will be finalized after deliberation by the National Assembly.
The largest new project is the 'Development of Innovative Technologies for K-Culture Live Performance Enjoyment Experience,' worth 25 billion won. It aims to develop AI direction, ultra-low latency transmission, and high-resolution audio technologies to make concerts and sports events feel realistic even in special venues or theaters, with commercialization planned by 2030. This marks the first time in 24 years, since the MCST launched its R&D projects in 2003, that it is pursuing a large-scale R&D initiative.
6.2 billion won has been allocated to 'K-Museum Global Leading Technology Development,' which connects the exploration, preservation, datafication, and content utilization of museum cultural resources. 5 billion won has been allocated to 'K-Culture Field Solution Technology Development,' which supports short-term field projects led by companies and technology transfer from universities and research institutions.
3.1 billion won will be invested in copyright technology that verifies the legality, source, and rights information of AI training data and calculates and settles the contribution of existing content to generated products. This project aims to simultaneously target the data utilization of AI companies and the protection of creators' rights.
A 3.2 billion won grant program has also been established for the first time to support the commercialization of R&D results and overseas expansion. It combines technology with promising content intellectual property (IP) and supports attracting investment from overseas buyers and securing contracts.
The K-Culture Value-Up Fund plans to be established next year with a scale of 100 billion won, combining 60 billion won from the government budget and 40 billion won from private funds, following this year. However, the total amount raised may change depending on the operation plan of the Fund of Funds' culture account and market conditions in January next year.
"We have established the foundation for a cultural technology ecosystem, including R&D budgets, strategic projects, organizations, and private investment, to promote the national strategic industrialization of 'K-Culture'," a policy official from the MCST stated. "Based on this, we plan to strengthen the competitiveness of the cultural content industry and achieve 400 trillion won in 'K-Culture'."
[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter