Seoul Copyright Forum 2025: Strengthening the Future of Creative Protection in the Age of Generative AI
2025-06-20The Seoul Copyright Forum, Korea’s leading international platform on creative rights, returned for its 18th edition on June 16 at the Grand Ballroom (2F) of The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Copyright Commission (KCC)
This year’s edition, held under the theme “Generative AI & Copyright – The Global Summit,” brings together copyright experts, policymakers, and creators from over 30 countries, including Korea, the European Union, Japan, and Singapore. The seminar focused on adjusting copyright regimes to the creative environment that is increasingly machine-generated, since AI technologies are rapidly disrupting the worldwide creative business.
The forum is divided into two core sessions, “Policy Developments” and “Creators and Industry Aspects”, offering legal and practical perspectives on generative AI's challenges and opportunities. Discussions cover everything from equitable recompense for human producers and regulatory tactics to AI-authored content and rights attribution.
Key Presenters discussing insightful information about Generative AI and Copyright at the Seoul Copyright Forum. [ Picture Credit: Seoul Copyright Forum Press Release /Korea Copyright Forum]
Choi Young-jin (MCST) presented Korea's policy roadmap, Prof. Tatsuhiro Ueno (Waseda University) presented Japan's legislative strategy, and Gavin Foo (IPOS) presented Singapore's AI regulation paradigm. Yordanka Ivanova of the European Commission, speaking on behalf of the EU, provided information about the copyright clauses in the AI Act.
In the second session, the spotlight shifted to industry and creator perspectives. Ham Seok-cheon (Korea Choreography Copyright Association) presented on behalf of creators, James Cheatley (Motion Picture Association Asia Pacific) represented the content industry, and Rachel Lee (Amazon Web Services Asia-Pacific) addressed AI policy from the tech sector’s view.
A lively panel moderated by Prof. Choi Sung-jai (Professor of Law from Sejong University) allowed speakers and the audience to explore collaborative solutions to copyright challenges posed by generative AI. [ Picture Credit: Seoul Copyright Forum Press Release /Korea Copyright Forum]
Due to overwhelming interest, on-site attendance reached full capacity through pre-registration, demonstrating the intense interest in the subject held by the global world. Although precise numbers have not been made public, the event's reach was greatly increased by livestreaming it worldwide through Korea Copyright Commission's YouTube channel, offering real-time viewer interaction.
A scene showing the attendees present at the Seoul Copyright Forum event at the Grand Ballroom (2F) of The Ambassador Seoul – A Pullman Hotel. [ Picture Credit: Seoul Copyright Forum Press Release /Korea Copyright Forum]
Furthermore, for a more in-depth discussion on ethics, policy, and international harmonization in the AI-copyright junction, MCST, KCC, and foreign speakers had a Global Roundtable on AI and Copyright on June 17.
Now in its latest edition, the Seoul Copyright Forum continues to serve as a timely and influential summit for global copyright dialogue. This year’s gathering marks a pivotal moment in shaping how international copyright law may evolve to safeguard artistic expression while embracing innovation across borders. The forum also provides a space for cross-sector dialogue between creators and policy leaders, bridging the gap between law and practice.
As a reporter attending the forum online, it was striking to witness how rapidly AI has moved from a theoretical concern to a real-world challenge. The shared sense of urgency across sectors, from law to literature, underscored the forum’s importance in shaping a future where innovation and human creativity can thrive together.
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