Comedian Kim Jun-hyun Joins Korea Music Performers Association, Embracing Music Rights Movement

Comedian Kim Jun-hyun has officially joined the Korea Music Performers Association (KMPA), marking a significant step in securing his rights as a music performer.

Kim's membership was reportedly encouraged by composer Jo Young-soo, a fellow member of KMPA and part of the 'Amudda Band.' This move reflects a growing trend among comedians, following actors, to establish their rights as music performers.

KMPA is the only copyright trust management organization in South Korea that manages the neighboring rights of music performers, including singers and instrumentalists. Kim Jun-hyun recently showcased his vocal and instrumental talents by releasing a digital single with his project team, 'Amudda Band.' With this membership, he will receive legal protection and compensation for music usage across various platforms.

Unlike the past, where comedians' album releases were seen as one-off projects, there is now an increasing number of cases where comedians produce work with a level of professionalism comparable to that of seasoned musicians. Notable members of KMPA include national MC Yoo Jae-suk, comedians Kim Sook, Jo Hye-ryun, Hong Hyun-hee, Yoon Hyung-bin, Yang Se-hyung, and Yoo Se-yoon. The rise of groups like Celeb Five (Song Eun-i, Shin Bong-sun, Kim Shin-young, Ahn Young-mi) further solidifies the status of comedians as music performers.

The reason behind this trend is clear. With the expansion of music streaming services and global OTT platforms, establishing a fair compensation system for their contributions has become essential for cultural artists.

Executive Director Kim Seung-min stated, "We've seen a noticeable increase in inquiries from comedians like Kim Jun-hyun about joining. This reflects the borderless era of popular culture." He added, "As awareness of performers' rights spreads, we aim to enhance management systems that allow creators to focus on their work and build a solid foundation for real compensation."

Reported by Min-kyung Lee, Ten Asia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr