ABSTRACT
This chapter provides historical and policy information on the pillars of South Korea’s creative industries. It explores key developments in the gaming, animation and cartoons, webtoons, and popular music sectors. The chapter also provides an overview of the Korea Creative Content Agency, South Korea’s primary government agency that facilitates the development of creative and cultural contents in domestic and international markets. It offers a deeper understanding of some of the vital activities that are impacting on the future shape and scope of Korea’s growing creative industries. Domestic content producers had free reign to broadcast ‘Korean-wave’ content, which by was captivating domestic audiences with their high production values, dynamic genres, and star-driven stories. Korea is known as one of Asia’s largest gaming hubs, where online and mobile gaming is a big part of the nation’s social environment and governing policies, and where professional gamers have a celebrity status.
