Minister: Relocation of K-Arts to Regional Area Not Under Consideration

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Kyung-ho has definitively shut down speculation regarding the potential relocation of the prestigious Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts) to a regional location. In a clear and unequivocal statement, the Minister asserted that such a move has "never been considered" by the ministry, effectively drawing a line under the recent discussions that had emerged from certain political factions.

The impetus for these discussions appears to have stemmed from legislative proposals put forth by lawmakers representing specific regional constituencies. These proposals, it is understood, aimed to facilitate the decentralization of cultural and educational institutions, with K-Arts being identified as a potential candidate for relocation.

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I have never even thought about it once.

However, Minister Choi's firm rebuttal signals the government's current stance, emphasizing the importance of K-Arts' existing infrastructure and its role within the capital region's cultural ecosystem. While regional development is a key policy objective, the Minister's comments suggest that the current administration does not view the relocation of such a prominent national institution as a viable or desirable path forward at this time. The ministry's position remains that K-Arts will continue its operations from its current base.

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The proposal to move the K-Arts campus to a specific region originated from legislative bills by national assembly members of that region. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has no intention of reviewing the matter.