South Korea Showcases Its Global Cultural Engagement at G20 Culture Ministers Meeting

On November 8 Vice Minister Yong Ho-seong of the Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism represented South Korea at the G20 Culture Ministers Meeting held at the Salvador Convention Center in Brazil. Vice Minister Yong highlighted the power of culture in strengthening solidarity dialogue and cooperation while showcasing South Korea’s significant cultural and content policies as a global hub. From November 6 to 9 he also held bilateral meetings with nine countries and international organizations including Brazil and UNESCO to discuss cultural cooperation and garner support for the upcoming high-level APEC cultural meeting which will be hosted by Korea in 2025.

South Korea’s Efforts to Create a Happier Society Through Culture

Under the theme A Fair World and a Sustainable Planet discussions led to the adoption of a joint declaration.

In his keynote address Vice Minister Yong referred to globally beloved Korean cultural examples like BTS and Squid Game stating Korea is a prime example of how cultural power can contribute to national development. Through culture we connect with the world and strive to create a society where people find happiness through various cultural initiatives. He introduced specific policies including:

Support for artistic diversity and welfare programs for artists
Policies ensuring access to arts and culture in schools and public cultural facilities
AI policies to protect creators rights in a digital environment
Financial and overseas marketing support to nurture cultural content as a major export.
The G20 Culture Ministers emphasized the importance of culture’s socio-economic role in addressing environmental changes noting goals such as cultural diversity social inclusion balanced creator rights in the digital age sustainable economic development in cultural industries and enhanced international cooperation in cultural heritage protection. These were included in the Salvador da Bahia Joint Declaration.

Bilateral Meetings with Brazil UNESCO Spain Australia Singapore the U.S. Canada Indonesia and Nigeria (November 6-9)

During these bilateral meetings Vice Minister Yong discussed ways to strengthen cultural cooperation with nine countries and organizations.

On November 6 an MOU with Brazil’s Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes established a foundation for collaboration in cultural policy creative economy performance arts cultural heritage copyright and the audiovisual sector.

From November 7 to 9 he held meetings with high-ranking cultural officials from UNESCO Spain Australia Singapore the U.S. Canada Indonesia and Nigeria. Vice Minister Yong announced plans to establish a high-level cultural meeting for APEC Culture Ministers during next year’s APEC summit in Korea and requested support. He also explored expanding cultural cooperation on key occasions enhancing ties in creative industries and navigating the digital environment.

Vice Minister Yong noted While APEC has focused on economic issues the industrial impact of culture makes this the right time to introduce a cultural ministers’ meeting. He suggested the provisional theme The Vision and Role of Cultural and Creative Industries in the Digital Age with subtopics tailored to the diverse priorities of APEC member countries. Each country welcomed the initiative with UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone expressing strong support for linking this meeting with MONDIACULT.

Advancing the 2025 APEC Cultural High-Level Meeting with International Support

Vice Minister Yong stated Through the G20 Culture Ministers Meeting I could sense Korea’s elevated cultural status. As culture becomes central to socio-economic development it is timely for Korea to pioneer a high-level meeting of cultural ministers at next year’s APEC summit. With strong support from member nations confirmed during these bilateral meetings we will move forward actively.

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