Culture ministry boosts popular music budget by 38.5 percent for 2027

The culture ministry said Wednesday it has drafted a 2027 budget for popular music support totaling 80.2 billion won ($59.3 million), a 38.5 percent increase from the previous year. Minister Choi Hwi-young announced the plan while chairing the fourth meeting of the Popular Music Subcommittee of the Culture and Arts Policy Advisory Committee on Sept. 16.

The proposed spending growth far outpaces the 12.8 percent rise in total government expenditure and the 22.6 percent increase in the ministry's overall budget. The department attributed the sharp hike to a strategic focus on securing diversity within the industry, specifically targeting the indie music ecosystem, small-to-mid-sized planning agencies and regional live performances.

To foster an indie music ecosystem, the ministry has allocated 16 billion won ($11.8 million). This includes 8 billion won ($5.91 million) to establish a tentative "Indie Music Hub" for artist interaction and creation, alongside funds for regional festivals and collaborations with other cultural sectors.

Support for small and mid-sized music agencies will also expand under a global leap program, with beneficiaries nearly doubling from 10 entities this year to 18 next year. The associated budget rises to 5.4 billion won ($3.99 million), while policy finance programs available to content companies grow from 450 billion won ($333 million) to 580 billion won ($429 million).

Regional performance activation receives the largest proportional boost, with the budget more than doubling from 5.3 billion won ($3.92 million) to 11.3 billion won ($8.35 million). The increase aims to expand the number of supported venues from 20 to 70.

Beyond financial aid, the ministry plans to push for legislative revisions to introduce a voluntary rating system for online music videos and strengthen cooperation to eradicate illegal ticket scalping following recent legal changes.

"To continue the brilliant achievements of K-pop, the foundation of the music industry must be solid and the ecosystem healthy," Choi said. "We have reflected the government's will to strive for the sustainable development of the popular music industry in this budget, hoping that the diverse charm of K-music will spread further and wider in 2027."