"I'm abandoning my mom" paves way for more Korea-Vietnam cultural cooperation

Continuing with the Vietnamese leader's visit to South Korea, the two countries also explored ways to cooperate in the culture field, as their related ministers also got together on Monday.

Our culture correspondent Park Kun-woo has more.

"I'm abandoning my mom."

This recent popular movie in Vietnam surpassed the break-even point in the country just three days after its release.

What's notable is that it's a Korea-Vietnam co-production, starring popular actors from both countries.

More such collaborations are expected as the culture ministers of Korea and Vietnam met in Seoul to explore ways for sustainable growth in the culture industry.

"Since establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023, we've strengthened cooperation in various sectors. With our ties closer than ever, it's time to take cultural exchange and cooperation to the next level. We see the culture industry's potential and ripple effects as a key driver of future economic growth."

Vietnam has also signaled its commitment to cultural cooperation, following its recently unveiled national strategy to build a culture industry centered on digital transformation.

"Korea is a culturally advanced country whose new technologies add significant value to its cultural industries. We hope to learn from Korea's expertise to further develop our industries as we share cultural common ground."

Positive messages from both sides led to MOUs being signed between companies from both countries on Monday, covering joint film and game projects.

"Korean content is very popular in Vietnam, from music to drama series and movies. I'm very happy that this year the collaboration is extending to another level co-producing a Vietnam-Korean movie with an original story. We will be filming in March next year and releasing it at the end of 2026."

And more Korean companies are diversifying their content creation with their Vietnamese counterparts.

"We're exploring collaborations such as remaking films with our IP and co-producing Vietnamese dramas, or casting Vietnamese actors in our dramas. While there may be cultural sensitivities or differing social norms, these can be addressed from the early planning stages."

Korea's culture ministry also announced plans, including financing and tax incentives, in the cultural field on Monday with the aim for the industry to generate 300 trillion won in revenue by 2030.

With more of these efforts paving the way for broader collaboration between the two countries, more cultural content is expected down the road.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.