Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) reiterates explanation amid controversy over budget for cultural events during overseas trips, stresses K-culture promotion [2026 parliamentary audit]

[Financial News] The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reiterated that the cultural event attended by Mrs. Kim Hye-gyeong was held to promote Korean culture in connection with summit diplomacy, amid controversy over budget support for the event.
The MCST posted a card-based explainer titled “The Facts Are as Follows” on its official X account late on the 23rd. It was responding to concerns about budget support for cultural events related to Mrs. Kim raised at that day’s comprehensive parliamentary audit by the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee.
The MCST said it plans and holds cultural events to showcase K-culture’s diverse appeal as part of summit diplomacy. It stressed that cultural events held in connection with overseas trips are part of the MCST’s core mandate to promote Korean culture locally, and are not organized for any particular individual or for the president’s spouse.
The MCST also said it was spending the related budget lawfully and in line with the project’s purpose.
Earlier that day, People Power Party lawmakers at the parliamentary audit raised concerns about the planning process, budget size and use of sole-source contracts for overseas cultural events attended by Mrs. Kim.
In response, MCST Minister Choi Hwi-young explained that the cultural events were prepared to coincide with a time when a presidential overseas trip would boost local interest in Korea. He said it was “natural” for Mrs. Kim, who accompanied the trip, to attend, and pushed back: “Do not disparage the MCST’s core work by portraying it as an event for Mrs. Kim.”
[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter