Move to Introduce Self-Rating System, Letting Music Video Operators Set Ratings Themselves

[Financial News] The government is pursuing a system overhaul that would allow businesses to set viewing ratings for music videos themselves. The plan adds self-classification to the existing process, which requires prior classification by the Korea Media Rating Board (KMRB), thereby streamlining distribution.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the 13th, a bill to amend the Music Industry Promotion Act, which introduces a self-classification system for music video content, was approved by the Cabinet that day.
Under current law, businesses that produce and distribute music videos and other music-related audiovisual content must obtain ratings from the KMRB before supplying them. Once the amendment takes effect, businesses that meet the requirements set by Presidential Decree and register with the KMRB may set ratings themselves and release the content after notifying the KMRB.
The existing KMRB rating process will remain available as an option. This reflects industry feedback that registering as a self-classification operator could be burdensome for small and midsize production companies that make around 5 to 8 music videos a year.
A self-classification system for designated operators is already in operation in the paid online video sector, including online video services (OTT). These operators must comply with statutory requirements and undergo an annual evaluation of the appropriateness of their operations.
Safeguards to protect young people have also been established. Self-classification operators must notify the KMRB before distributing or posting content, designate a person responsible for rating classification, and ensure that person receives related training. The KMRB may order an adjustment if it finds a rating inappropriate.
If an operator fails to comply with an adjustment order, the minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may revoke the relevant rating classification. Operators that violate requirements, including notification and training rules, are subject to having their registrations revoked.
For audiovisual content distributed without a rating or with its rating changed arbitrarily, the minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may ask the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission to issue a corrective order to the operator of the bulletin board.
The amendment provides for the system to take effect one year after promulgation. Before it takes effect, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to consult with the KMRB and the music industry and revise subordinate regulations covering registration requirements, rating standards and other matters.
Choi Seong-hee, the ministry’s director-general for content industry policy, said, “Music videos and other music-related audiovisual content are among the key elements of the music industry,” and expressed hope that introducing the system would streamline distribution, improve marketing efficiency and speed up responses.
[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter