President Lee Jae-myung on the 15th, regarding government support for the culture and arts sector, said, "In some cases, it has even degenerated into a means of corruption," adding, "From what I saw while running local administration, for example, when support is given to the creative field, a few of the (related organizations') chairs take everything in the middle." He voiced concern that even with government financial support, the policy effect may be limited because a few monopolize the benefits.
At a roundtable with local artists held that day at the Changdong Art Village Art Center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang, Lee said, "I am considering rolling out many support programs, but under the existing system it could be like pouring water into a bottomless jar. There is also concern that, if we are not careful, the result will be to merely fatten a few people." He continued, "Korea is emerging as a cultural powerhouse, but the ground level and foundation of the culture and arts sector are not that solid. To put it starkly, it sometimes feels like it is rotting from a lack of oxygen," adding, "I hope we can take this opportunity to work together."
Meanwhile, First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, who attended the roundtable with Lee, said, "Whenever I am asked about K-culture on overseas trips, I keep wondering why our country has become such an object of envy." She added, "Today I could see that Korea has become an object of admiration because of all of you who work like peripheral nerves, like capillaries," and, with a laugh, "I hope you will make many demands of this person (President Lee)." Kim majored in piano.
Meanwhile, in January, during a senior presidential secretariat meeting at the Blue House and other occasions, Lee repeatedly stressed that government support for the culture and arts sector is insufficient and said support should be increased even by drawing up a supplementary budget. The government is currently preparing a supplementary budget to overcome the high oil price situation caused by the recent Middle East crisis, and support funds for the culture and arts sector could also be included.