"When culture opens the way, the economy follows. Culture has already become the engine of growth leading Korea."
On the 21st, at the "Sidae Forum" held at the Sebit Island Convention Center in Seoul under the theme "K-Culture × Tech: The Path to Sustainable Growth," Chairman Hong Sun-geun stated, "We must seek ways to further expand the future of K-Culture through open discussion," adding these remarks.
The Sidae Forum on this day was organized by the comprehensive daily newspaper Sidae Media of Donghaeng Media to commemorate its founding (the first issue of its print edition). Lee Soo-man, Key Producer at A2O Entertainment, delivered the keynote speech, and various discussions were held regarding the sustainable growth of K-Culture, including AI (artificial intelligence) and content production, robot-based entertech, beautitech, and K-lifestyle.
In the first session of the forum, Cecilia Sen, CEO of Utopia Studio, and Director Kim Geul-gyun took the stage, while in the second session, Yoon Sang-bo, Vice President of Galaxy Corporation, Shin Jae-ha, Vice President of AP R, and Lee Seung-jin, Vice President of Musinsa, presented on various topics concerning the future of K-Culture.
Hong (Chairman) evaluated K-Culture as a core driving force that has changed the global cultural landscape and boosted Korea's industrial competitiveness. He said, "When the system for discovering idols in the pop music industry first emerged in the 1990s, no one would have predicted that it would change the landscape of modern world culture as it does today."
He continued, "K-pop, which started that way, has stood on the hanbok stage of the world in just over 30 years and brought the name 'Republic of Korea' into the daily lives of young generations around the globe," adding, "What was once called 'Hallyu' is now more familiar under the name 'K-Culture,' and K-pop was at the forefront of this trend."
He also emphasized that the success of K-pop was not a predestined outcome from the beginning. He stated, "In hindsight, it may seem easy, but at the time, it was an attempt requiring immense insight, creativity, and courage," adding, "It brings to mind Columbus's egg."
Hong (Chairman) diagnosed that the influence of K-Culture is spreading beyond music to the entire industry. He said, "Now, crossing the boundaries of music, 'K' has become an attractive name sought by global consumers, extending from K-fashion and K-beauty to K-food."
He added, "Hallyu has grown into K-Culture, which encompasses lifestyle and cultural experiences as a whole," noting, "A virtuous cycle has been formed in which culture creates the national brand, and the national brand acts as the competitiveness of our products."
Hong (Chairman) mentioned "Culture First, Economy Next," a concept emphasized by Producer Lee Soo-man, while also stressing the economic importance of the cultural industry.
He explained that it means "when culture opens the way, the economy follows," and projected that even the primary goal of a "prosperous Republic of Korea" set by Sidae Media—reaching a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of $70,000 (approximately 92 million won)—would be difficult to achieve without K-Culture.
Regarding the role of Producer Lee Soo-man in building the industrial foundation of K-pop, he evaluated that Lee "wove casting, training, producing, and marketing into a single system to execute Culture Technology (CT)," adding, "The notion that culture, like technology, involves design and process is the source of the brand power of Lee Soo-man today."
Hong (Chairman) described the presenters on this day as "pioneers riding the great wave of K-Culture toward an unknown future." He continued, "Culture, technology, and industry must learn each other's languages to open new possibilities," emphasizing, "Sidae Media will watch over the future of K-Culture from up close and record it honestly."
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