Japanese Pop Concerts to be Permitted

Concerts by Japanese pop singers will be permitted at halls with capacities smaller than 2,000 seats.
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Park Jie-won, announced on September 10 the second step of opening the pop-culture market to Japan.
According to the more relaxed regulations, concerts by Japanese pop singers are to be permitted at halls which accommodate less than 2,000. However, broadcasting of the concerts will not be permitted, and the prohibition on pre-recorded Japanese music and videos of Japanese pop concerts remains.
With regard to films, which were previously permitted only if having won prizes at 4 international film festivals, including the Academy Awards, or if co-produced with Korea, winners of all approved international festivals and family movies (which are estimated to number 113) will now be allowed to be screened.
However, animation has not been included in this second step of opening-up.
The ministry said that it is seeking countermeasures to the opening-up to improve the competitiveness of Korean cultural products.
The ministry plans to improve the film industry infrastructure, promoting and assisting venture capital firms in cultural industries and movie and music experts.
Kang Joo-an : jooan@joongang.co.kr