President Lee Taps J.Y. Park to Spearhead Cultural Exchange Committee

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has appointed J.Y. Park, founder of JYP Entertainment and a pivotal figure in K-pop, as the co-chair of the newly established Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange. This move signals a strategic focus on leveraging Korea's cultural prowess to drive economic growth and enhance global influence.

During a press conference marking his first 100 days in office, President Lee highlighted culture as a cornerstone of his administration's economic policy. He noted that while K-culture's reach extends across music, film, and beyond, the next crucial step is to transform this cultural power into a robust industry that creates economic opportunities.

The committee, launched on September 9, will work independently and be jointly led by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young and J.Y. Park. President Lee expressed confidence in Park's ability as an "outstanding planner" to navigate the complexities of industrializing culture and expanding its global footprint.

J.Y. Park, renowned as the founder of JYP Entertainment, is a legendary figure in the K-pop industry, credited with producing numerous hit songs and artists. Beyond his role as a producer, he has also maintained a successful career as a singer, known to fans as 'JYP'. His extensive experience and proven track record in the entertainment world are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the government's cultural initiatives.