K-Link Global Policy Insights
K-Pop & Korea Music Industry Insights
Independent analysis of the policy, copyright, data, licensing and AI developments shaping the future of Korea's music industry.
Policy Briefs
Ideas for the next phase of K-Pop
K-Pop's global reach has expanded faster than many of the institutional systems that support it. These briefs examine how Korea can convert cultural influence into durable value for creators, rights holders and the wider music ecosystem.
Seven Policy Priorities for the Sustainable Growth of Korea's Popular Music Industry
Building the institutional foundations for K-Pop's next decade
Global demand alone will not guarantee sustainable growth. This brief presents seven connected reforms designed to modernize rights collection, improve the recovery of overseas remuneration, integrate fragmented rights data and strengthen the industry's capacity to respond to AI, global competition and ESG expectations.
Protecting Creators' Rights in the Age of Generative AI
A strategic framework for Korea to help shape global AI norms
As copyright disputes move from AI outputs to the use of works at the training stage, Korea faces a dual challenge: protecting high-value K-content while supporting responsible innovation. This brief reviews the emerging legal and commercial landscape and argues for a transparent, licensing-based AI ecosystem that returns value to creators.
Our Research Agenda
From global popularity to durable industry value
Our work focuses on the policy and market infrastructure required to make Korea's music ecosystem more transparent, innovative and globally connected.
Modernizing licensing and remuneration systems around the actual economic value and measurable use of music.
Improving cross-border collection, reciprocal representation and accountability for revenues generated overseas.
Connecting identifiers, metadata and usage records to enable transparent settlement and evidence-based policy.
Designing practical rules for training-data transparency, licensing, provenance and creator compensation.
Helping independent artists and smaller companies strengthen IP management, contracting and settlement verification.
Embedding safety, environmental responsibility and measurable performance into long-term industry strategy.
Need a clearer view of Korea's music-policy landscape?
K-Link Global provides policy research, regulatory briefings and strategic advisory services for music companies, rights organizations and public institutions.