- Launch ceremony held on October 15, bringing together 214 committee members from businesses, creative industries, academia, and research institutionsﾠ ﾠﾠ ﾠ -…
Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, delivers congratulatory remarks at the launch ceremony of the First Culture Technology Alliance 2026, held on October 15 at the Gangnam Convention Hall of Eliena Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Choi Hwi-young, hereinafter “MCST”), together with the Korea Culture Technology Planning and Evaluation Institute (President Kim Myung-ha, hereinafter “KCTPE”), an affiliated organization of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), held the launch ceremony for the First Culture Technology Alliance (Culture-driven AI Tech) at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, at the Eliena Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Minister Choi Hwi-young attended the ceremony to encourage participating committee members and express his expectations for the Alliance's future activities.
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities and challenges across the entire content value chain, from planning and production to distribution and consumption. To translate these changes into industrial competitiveness, the experience of content companies and creators must be integrated with research and development (R&D). In response, MCST established the Culture Technology Alliance, a public-private collaborative initiative designed to advance a Culture-driven AI R&D policy that places the needs of the cultural and creative industries and the imagination of creators at the forefront of technological development.
The Culture Technology Alliance brings together 214 committee members, including representatives from large enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, independent creators, academia, and research institutions. The Alliance aims to identify technologies that can address pressing technical challenges while unlocking new possibilities for the content industry.
Four Divisions Connecting Corporate Technologies, Platforms, Creative Expertise, and Research Capabilities: Gaming, Video & Media, Music & Performing Arts, and Story-Based Content
The First Culture Technology Alliance consists of four divisions: ▲Gaming & Interactive Content, ▲Video & Media Content, ▲Music & Performing Arts Content, and ▲Story-Based Content. While gathering input from all participating committee members, the Alliance will also operate a dedicated Strategic Planning Group to conduct in-depth discussions and develop industry-specific strategic R&D priorities and long-term investment directions.
The Gaming & Interactive Content Division will discuss technological development strategies aimed at improving game development efficiency and enhancing interactions with users. Participating organizations include Nexon Korea, Smilegate, Softzen, Dobby Canvas, Verse8 Korea, Storytaco, Myongji University, and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI).
The Video & Media Content Division will explore technological development strategies to improve the efficiency of AI-powered video production, advance visual expression, and transform audience experiences. Participating organizations include CJ ENM, CJ 4DPLEX, MBC C&I, Giantstep, Studio Freewillusion, Art Center Nabi, Chung-Ang University, and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI).
The Music & Performing Arts Content Division will focus on technological development strategies that support music creation, audio production, and music appreciation while enhancing the immersive experience of live performances. Participating organizations include Kakao Entertainment, SBS, Galaxy Corporation, Metarocket, Gaudio Lab, Neutune, the Korea Institute for Audio, Music and AI Convergence Research, and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH).
The Story-Based Content Division will discuss technological development strategies that support creators in story planning and enable the expansion of original intellectual properties (IPs) across various media platforms. Participating organizations include Writer Company, MUHAYU, Hanteo Global, HiveMind, A2Z Entertainment, Korea University, and Pusan National University.
Identified R&D Priorities to Shape Long-Term Investment Strategies and New R&D Programs for 2028
R&D needs identified through the Culture Technology Alliance will be evaluated based on market potential, urgency, and technical feasibility. These needs will then be refined into strategic R&D priorities and prioritized for incorporation into long-term culture technology investment strategies and the planning of new R&D programs for 2028.
The Alliance represents a significant step beyond the traditional approach of collecting technology requirements from individual companies and institutions. By bringing together businesses of all sizes, creators, academic and research institutions, industry associations, and related organizations, it establishes a collaborative platform where industry challenges can be openly discussed and translated into concrete R&D priorities.
Furthermore, rather than limiting technological development and application to individual companies or organizations, the advanced technologies planned through the Alliance are expected to be integrated across the broader content industry, generating meaningful outcomes and fostering innovation throughout the sector.
Minister Choi Hwi-young stated, “The needs of the cultural and creative industries and the imagination of creators must guide the direction of AI technology development. By incorporating the challenges identified collectively by businesses, creators, and researchers into our R&D policies, we aim to address real-world industry challenges and create new opportunities for content development and business growth.”