GAVA and KoBPRA Meet in Seoul to Strengthen Performers’ Rights in Ongoing Korean Copyright Act Revisions
In a significant step toward reinforcing the rights of performers in the Republic of Korea, a high-level meeting took place on May 21st between representatives of the Global Audiovisual Alliance (GAVA) and the Korean Broadcasting Performers’ Rights Association (KoBPRA), a member organization of GAVA. The meeting was held at KoBPRA’s headquarters in Seoul and centered on the ongoing revision of the Korean Copyright Act, with particular emphasis on ensuring equitable rights and remuneration for audiovisual performers.
KoBPRA was represented, among others, by its Chairman, Young Woong Song, and Executive Director Tae Woong Yoo, both long-standing advocates for performers’ rights in Korea. GAVA was represented by Deputy Chairwoman Ivonne Sleman and Acting Director José María Montes, who traveled to Seoul to support and coordinate with KoBPRA on the strategic priorities of the alliance.
During the meeting, the parties engaged in an in-depth and fruitful discussion on the legal reforms currently under consideration in Korea’s National Assembly. A key focus was ensuring that actors are properly recognized and fairly compensated when their performances are used, particularly by digital and video-on-demand (VOD) platforms.
With Korean film, drama, and variety content experiencing unprecedented popularity on the global stage — often referred to as the “K-Wave” or Hallyu — both organizations stressed the importance of adapting national legislation to reflect the evolving realities of content consumption. International streaming services operating in Korea and abroad often benefit from this content, and the current legal framework must be updated to ensure that performers receive a fair share in the commercial exploitation of their work.
The meeting reaffirmed GAVA’s commitment to supporting its members in advocating for stronger legislative protections at the national level, in alignment with international treaties such as the WIPO Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances. Both KoBPRA and GAVA expressed optimism that the amendment process will lead to meaningful improvements in how performers are treated in Korea’s copyright ecosystem.
The organizations agreed to continue their close collaboration throughout the legislative process and to raise awareness, both domestically and internationally, of the importance of securing fair remuneration for audiovisual performers in the era of global streaming.