[K-wave] A step towards K-pop choreography copyright protection

The popularity of K-pop goes beyond just its songs, with its dance elements also a key factor.

But the choreography generally does not have proper copyrights.

Last year, prominent figures in the dance industry gathered to set up an association to protect these rights.

Lee Eun-jin tells us more.

Choreography in the K-pop scene ranges from the soft to sharply angled group dance movements.

Recently, there was great popularity for dance cover performances by military soldiers on a K-Force Special Show TV program.

They are no idols, and without singing a single verse, their dance cover has gained a high number of views.

High interest in K-pop choreography is not a new phenomenon.

There are fans from abroad who come to Korea to learn from Korean choreographers.

"For instance, in France it's just about music. But here in Korea it's about music and dance. And I feel like it has so much. The whole performance is another level. I think it's super nice and fun."

But even with the global K-dance craze, returns for the choreographers behind the dance sequences have not changed over many years.

They are indeed the creators, but not copyright holders.

A survey of some 90 choreographers in Korea showed that only around 2 percent of them have ever held a copyright.

That's because there is a longstanding practice regarding this in the industry.

It is common for choreographers to sign contracts that include a special agreement condition to hand over the rights of their choreography to the party using it, which is usually an entertainment agency.

"Even for me, it's not easy to ask 'Can you take this clause out?'. It's been such a longstanding practice "

For young choreographers, they are often not even given the chance to contemplate the conditions of copyright.

"I myself can't be proud because the reality is that I've signed contracts without having such knowledge."

This is why, last year, choreographers gathered to launch an association to protect copyright.

Their first step was carrying out promotional activity to establish that choreography is also subject to copyright.

In line with this, the government also began a system reorganization of legal concepts surrounding this issue.

Based on research and case studies, the government plans to release copyright guidelines and standard contracts accordingly this year.

"There is a hidden effort by choreographers behind the growth of K-pop. I hope that a social atmosphere is established where these choreographers' efforts and their value are recognized."

Major Korean entertainment agencies have said they would follow the copyright guidelines and standard contracts set out by the government.

And this gives hope to those that have worked hard for years for "an era of copyright in choreography."

Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.