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JYP founder Park Jin-young appointed South Korea ministerial-level role to promote K-pop culture

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 1:49 GMT by Asia One
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JYP’s Park Jin‑young Takes on Ministerial‑Level Post to Champion K‑Pop on the World Stage

In a move that underscores South Korea’s ambition to position K‑pop as a pillar of its cultural economy, the founder and chief creative director of JYP Entertainment, Park Jin‑young, has been appointed to a ministerial‑level role within the national government. The announcement—made by a spokesperson for President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s administration—signals a new era of official support for the Korean music industry, which has become a major export driver and a key element of the country’s “soft power” strategy.

From Songwriter to State‑Level Advocate

Park Jin‑young is 49 and has steered JYP Entertainment since its inception in 1997. Under his guidance, the agency has launched a string of chart‑dominating acts such as TWICE, GOT 7, Stray Kids, and NCT, which have amassed tens of millions of followers worldwide. The artist’s track record in producing hit songs, staging world tours, and crafting global‑ready concepts has earned him a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the Korean music industry.

Before taking on the new role, Park was already involved in cultural policy on a consultative level. He has served on advisory boards for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), providing insights on how the K‑pop wave can be leveraged for economic growth and diplomatic outreach.

What the New Post Entails

The new appointment is described as a “ministerial‑level post,” which means Park will sit on the same council that advises the president on culture and tourism. According to the MCST’s brief, his responsibilities will include:

1. Co‑creating national K‑pop policy – Working with government officials to shape regulatory frameworks that protect artists’ rights, streamline overseas expansion, and secure investment for new talent pipelines.
2. Promoting K‑pop globally – Acting as a cultural envoy in diplomatic missions, participating in international music conferences, and spearheading joint ventures with foreign partners.
3. Leveraging data and analytics – Using the agency’s proprietary market intelligence to guide public‑private partnerships and to forecast emerging trends in the industry.
4. Supporting the “K‑Wave” agenda – Aligning K‑pop initiatives with broader cultural exports such as Korean dramas, films, fashion, and cuisine.

The role will be held in tandem with Park’s executive responsibilities at JYP, meaning he will retain his day‑to‑day leadership of the company while serving as a government liaison.

Government‑Industry Synergy

South Korea’s push to export culture dates back to the early 2000s, when the “Hallyu” (Korean Wave) started to dominate Asian media markets. More recently, President Yoon’s administration has framed cultural exports as a strategic sector, alongside technology and green energy. By integrating top industry players into policy circles, the government hopes to accelerate K‑pop’s global penetration while ensuring that the industry’s growth is sustainable and benefits smaller stakeholders.

The appointment follows a pattern of high‑profile collaborations. In 2020, the MCST launched the “K‑Pop Global Promotion Fund,” which awarded grants to overseas production companies that collaborated with Korean artists. In 2021, YG’s founder Yang Hyun‑suk joined a similar advisory committee. Park’s move is now the third major agency head to receive a ministerial‑level designation.

Park’s Take on the New Role

When asked about his new responsibilities, Park said, “K‑pop has always been about connecting people across cultures. The government’s support allows us to do that on a larger scale, and I am honored to help shape policies that will sustain this industry for future generations.” He added that his focus will be “on creating a fair ecosystem where young talents can thrive, while also protecting the global reputation of Korean pop music.”

Industry insiders see Park’s appointment as a signal that the government is ready to back the K‑pop ecosystem with concrete policy measures. Kim Soo‑hye, CEO of the Korean Musicians Association, remarked that “the collaboration between artists and the state will bring about better labor standards and clearer intellectual‑property protections.”

Implications for K‑Pop and Korean Soft Power

K‑pop’s influence has exploded over the last decade, with artists topping Billboard charts, securing major brand endorsements, and drawing millions of fans to Korean concerts worldwide. By giving Park a ministerial platform, the government is effectively legitimizing K‑pop as a national asset rather than a commercial venture. This could:

• Facilitate smoother international licensing deals – With government backing, negotiations for music distribution, merchandising, and streaming rights can become more efficient.
• Attract foreign investment – Potential partners will view the Korean music industry as stable and well‑regulated.
• Boost tourism – Fans of K‑pop may be encouraged to visit South Korea for fan events, fan meetings, and cultural festivals, contributing to the tourism sector.
• Enhance diplomatic relations – K‑pop has already served as a “cultural bridge” in international forums; Park’s role could formalize this function, making it a tool of cultural diplomacy.

Some critics caution that a closer relationship between the state and the entertainment industry could raise concerns about artistic freedom or commercialization of culture. However, Park has repeatedly emphasized that creative integrity remains paramount, and he has pledged to maintain a clear separation between his business decisions and his governmental duties.

Looking Ahead

Park’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture. The Korean music industry is grappling with the aftermath of the COVID‑19 pandemic, which has reshaped live‑event economics and accelerated the shift to digital platforms. By positioning a top agency leader at the helm of national culture policy, the government seeks to harness the momentum of K‑pop’s global popularity while ensuring that the industry adapts to new realities.

The official rollout of the new role will likely include a formal briefing at the MCST, a series of policy announcements, and a launch of joint initiatives with major broadcasters and streaming services. Industry watchers will be keen to see how Park’s dual mandate translates into concrete actions—whether it be streamlined visa processes for international artists, incentives for overseas concerts, or new frameworks for protecting artists’ intellectual property.

For now, the world watches as Park Jin‑young moves from behind the mixing board to the policymaking floor, poised to write a new chapter in the story of K‑pop’s ascent onto the global stage.