Korean Music Copyright Association Criticizes Domestic Broadcasters and OTT Platforms for Evading Copyright Fees

Allegations have surfaced that domestic broadcasters and OTT platforms in South Korea are evading responsibility for copyright infringement. The Korean Music Copyright Association (KMCA) has strongly criticized these entities, stating that numerous criminal complaints filed against them in recent years have ended without prosecution.

The KMCA explained that broadcasters and OTT platforms are clouding investigative judgments by making arbitrary small payments, claiming they intended to pay copyright fees. The association revealed that there have been 349 such 'token payments' over the past decade.

The association also pointed out issues during negotiation processes, claiming that "businesses delay negotiations and, when it leads to civil lawsuits, they employ a strategy of paying only the minimum amount." Furthermore, they emphasized that domestic OTT platforms have defaulted on over 150 billion KRW in payments over 14 years and have ignored government-established collection regulations.

The KMCA highlighted the difference with foreign platforms, noting that while platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and TikTok paid copyright fees within 1-2 years of entering the Korean market, domestic OTT platforms have delayed payments for an average of over 10 years.

The association also criticized the public relations tactics of broadcasters, stating, "Whenever there is a discussion about raising copyright fees, broadcasters hold press conferences portraying themselves as victims and copyright holders as perpetrators, which undermines the rights of copyright holders."

Hwang Sun-chul, the Secretary-General, stated, "Broadcasters and OTT platforms are using a 'combination' strategy of minimal payments, negotiation delays, and public opinion manipulation to evade copyright fees and trample on creators' rights. This is a structural malady that degrades the level of the Korean media market and collapses the cultural industry."

Lee Min-kyung, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr