South Korea Forms Committee to Discuss Film Holdback Rules

South Korea launched a public-private consultative body on May 29 to develop rules for a proposed "holdback" system that would require a waiting period before films shown in theaters become available on streaming platforms. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council convened the first meeting, which brought together 22 representatives from film studios, distributors, cinema chains and IPTV platforms.

Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young attended the session held at the KOFIC office in Seoul.

The discussions focus on legislation still pending in the National Assembly that would set a six-month holdback period. The bill seeks to address declining theater attendance and changing viewer habits. The consultative body will also examine broader measures to stabilize industry revenue and improve cooperation between theaters and streaming services.

Officials said the group plans to narrow differences and sign a voluntary agreement by August. "We will work to reach a holdback agreement that could minimize potential side effects by reflecting market realities while maximizing industry revenues," Chae said.

"With the film industry people working together with the government, the industry has begun to show signs of life again," Chae said during the meeting.