Contents Korea Lab for aspiring artists

American indie film “Whiplash” has become a sleeper hit in Korea. The audience was moved by the passion of the protagonist who is determined to become the best musician he could be, and the powerful drum beats keep the viewers tense and excited. When it comes to passion and hard work, Korean artists and creators in film, music and art are just as devoted as the young drummer. However, Korean society absolutely lacks the space and stage allowing aspiring young artists focus on creation stably.

Sarangang, the guesthouse in the aristocrat’s house in the Joseon period, was not just a place to receive guests. It was a space for cultural and artistic creativity. Scholars in the Joseon period gathered together to write compose poems, write calligraphies and draw. The works created in Sarangbang left us precious cultural heritage to the future generation. Sarangbang were always open to fellow scholars and artists, always equipped with ample writing and art supplies. A modern version of the Sarangbang culture would be able to nurture cultural prosperity today.

The Ministry of Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency opened the Contents Korea Lab (CKL) in May 2014, providing a space for 21st century arts and cultural contents. CKL has established itself as an open space for all citizens to freely express their imaginations and ideas and share and develop creative contents. They can also pursue entrepreneurial opportunities here. In the first year of operation, more than 70,000 visitors came to CKL. A total of 12.5 billion won ($11.3 billion) in private funds have been invested, and 93 creative projects and contracts have been signed.

Filmmakers always dream about making a movie that attracts 10 million viewers. When CKL contents Sarangbang expands across the country and 10 million aspiring artists and entrepreneurs gather together, the dream of Korea dominating the world with culture and power would become a reality.

by Kim Dong-ho, Chairman of the Presidential Committee for Cultural Enrichment