Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young on Feb. 12 speaks at a news conference held at Modu Art Theater in Seoul’s Seodaemun-gu District. (Heo Man-jin from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
By Charles Audouin
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young on Feb. 12 said, “I find it truly meaningful and heartwarming that BTS chose the symbolic space Gwanghwamun Square as the venue for its long-awaited comeback event.”
Speaking at a news conference held at Modu Art Theater in Seoul’s Seodaemun-gu District, he said, “I consider this an opportunity to showcase to the world Korea’s core content including its traditional culture.”
“We are thoroughly preparing for the smooth operation of the performance, and because many visitors from abroad are expected, we will actively provide support to ensure that the event is as enjoyable and memorable as anticipated.”
Minister Chae said he will advance the schedule for achieving the national goal of 30 million foreign tourists per year by 2030 through the use of tourism resources such as the BTS event on March 21 and the National Museum of Korea, whose attendance has surged.
He said, “Because of many places related to tourism, we need a control tower for them to operate well.”
On his visit to Italy from Feb. 4-8 for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, the minister said, “There, I felt how K-content’s status is steadily strengthening and getting deeply embedded in the daily lives of people all over the world.”
“Hundreds gathered at Korea House, and I was impressed by the locals greeting us in Korean while food was distributed. Seeing firsthand how deeply rooted K-culture has become was a very meaningful experience.”
Turning to the Presidential Committee on Popular Cultural Exchange, Minister Chae said, “We are seeking methods to expand K-culture’s advance abroad faster and more broadly,” adding, “We’re also considering a mid- to long-term plan to host a global festival in Korea in late 2027 and bringing together artists from all domestic entertainment agencies.”
Reflecting his first six months in office, he expressed his intent to shift how cultural policy is carried out, saying, “I will move without hesitation, faster and with specificity that can be felt on the ground.”
“The president has also mentioned the shortfall in the culture and arts budget, so I will carefully prepare the 2027 budget from the outset to ensure its proper allocation.”
caudouin@korea.kr
