Culture minister nominee pledges to open 300 tril. KRW 'K-culture market'

At the parliament.

Lawmakers at the National Assembly today questioned the nominees for culture and land ministers on their policy agendas and qualifications.

Our political correspondent Shin Ha-young has the details.

The National Assembly held confirmation hearings on Tuesday, continuing its review of nominees for Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet this time focusing on his picks for land and culture ministers.

During the hearing of the nominee for culture, sports and tourism minister, Chae Hwi-young , the current CEO of travel platform Nol Universe, emphasized his commitment to materializing President Lee's vision of a K-culture market worth 300-trillion won, around 215 billion U.S. dollars, and attracting 30 million inbound tourists.

"Culture is a part of the economy that is a key to international competitiveness. I will help industries such as movies and games overcome challenges, and support local content creators and streaming services to help them succeed worldwide."

Chae also said he would develop a new K-tourism strategy to turn the global popularity of Korean culture into visits to regions across the country.

To prepare for the growing use of AI, he pledged to support content innovation and help build AI training data that reflects Korea's history and culture.

On the same day, Kim Yun-duk, the nominee for land, infrastructure and transport minister, and a three-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, pledged to quickly roll out a plan to boost housing supply.

"I will increase housing supply in prime locations, such as near subway stations, by using available land and old public facilities. Redevelopment and reconstruction projects will also be promoted with a focus on balancing public and private interests."

Kim also emphasized his commitment to achieving balanced regional growth, saying it is not a choice but a matter of survival.

He noted that while local areas are struggling with an economic slowdown and rising unsold homes, housing prices in Seoul and the capital region are soaring, adding that the problem can only be solved through balanced regional growth.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.