[News Culture] Musical theater writers, composers and other creators in South Korea are moving to establish a new professional association aimed at strengthening contract standards, copyright protections and overseas licensing practices across the industry.
The preparatory committee for the tentatively named Korea Musical Theater Creators Association will hold its first forum on Sept. 28 at Jeonghwa Arts University in central Seoul, according to industry sources on Sept. 27.
The initiative follows the formation of professional organizations representing other parts of the musical theater sector and comes as creators seek clearer working standards in an industry that has expanded rapidly in both domestic production and international licensing.
The proposed association plans to focus on building conditions that allow creators to sustain long-term careers while contributing to the broader development of the musical theater industry.
Among the issues under discussion are standardized contract practices, institutional reforms, reasonable minimum creative fees for emerging writers and composers, agreements covering the development stage of new works, and rules governing copyright and secondary uses.
The group also plans to address creator protections in overseas productions and licensing deals, including standards for rights management and revenue distribution.
Attorney Jin Lee, head of Bamti Publishing, is expected to serve as legal adviser to the association, providing guidance on contracts, copyright and international licensing.
Composer Damiro, one of the founding organizers, said about 30 creators have joined the effort so far.
“The forum will be a place where creators can openly share and discuss cases they have encountered themselves involving contracts, copyright and overseas expansion,” Damiro said.
He added that while Korea’s musical theater industry has grown quickly, the standards surrounding creator contracts and rights protection have not developed at the same pace.
“Creating an environment in which strong creators can continue working is directly connected to the long-term development of Korean musical theater,” he said.
The association also intends to maintain cooperative relationships with existing industry organizations, particularly the Korea Musical Theater Producers Association, established in 2021, and the Korea Musical Theater Actors Association, which launched on Sept. 17.
Damiro said creators, producers and actors do not need to approach industry issues as opposing sides.
“If each group can look at problems from its own position and work together where cooperation is needed, the industry can build a much healthier ecosystem,” he said.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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