Government bodies join forces to offer support to music industry

The "Muse On 2020" project by Kocca [KOCCA]

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency (Kocca) will launch two projects to try and ease the hardships the music industry is facing amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Kocca said on Monday.

Through the two projects, one dubbed the "Covid-19 Emergency Pop Music Industry Support Business" and the other dubbed "Muse On 2020," the two government bodies will provide both financial and non-financial aid.

For the first project, performers can apply for funding of up 45 million won ($37,500) to put on one to four online or offline performances, or funding of up to 100 million won for a tour that takes place in more than three regions.

All applicants must submit specific plans about coronavirus prevention measures, such as distancing between audience members and the wearing of masks.

Muse On 2020 will choose 20 musicians and provide financial support for them to produce live performance videos as well as provide free PR, and give them a chance to take part in the Mu:Con showcase and business seminars.

For singers who debuted over three years ago and have more than 20 releases, Kocca will also provide television appearance opportunities. Singers that don't meet these criteria will be provided with funding to release their tracks.

"We put together the business project in a hurry, in order to help the music industry which is going through turmoil amid the coronavirus," said Kim Young-jun, president of Kocca.

"We will provide as much support as we can to help musicians and creators not miss out on their opportunities even in the post-corona era," he said.

Details can be found on Kocca's website. Applications for Covid-19 Emergency Pop Music Industry Support Business can be made until June 18, and Muse On 2020 until June 19.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]