Publishing agency head vows to prevent 'blacklist,' boost industry with AI guidelines and tax credits

Kim Seung-soo, head of the Korea Publishing Culture Industry Promotion Agency (KPCIPA), has pledged to create robust systems to prevent the recurrence of a "publishing blacklist." Speaking on the 100th day since taking office, Kim expressed his commitment to safeguarding the industry from political interference, citing past instances where content was scrutinized based on ideological grounds.

"The second blacklist incident must not happen again," Kim stated in an interview. "More than anything, fundamental institutional measures are needed. It is important to build a system that operates on its own, rather than relying on individuals, and building that system will be one of my core tasks."

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The second blacklist incident must not happen again. More than anything, fundamental institutional measures are needed. It is important to build a system that operates on its own, rather than relying on individuals, and building that system will be one of my core tasks.

Kim's tenure has already faced challenges, including allegations that AI-generated content dominated a recent e-book production support program. A new publishing house submitted 17 e-book proposals from a single author, sparking concerns about "click publishing" using AI. The KPCIPA has initiated a legal review for some of these titles, highlighting the urgent need for AI utilization guidelines in public support for publishing.

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We don't know for sure if the books will be produced by AI based solely on the proposals. However, the controversy arose because there were no minimum AI-related review standards. We plan to improve the system institutionally.

"We don't know for sure if the books will be produced by AI based solely on the proposals," Kim explained. "However, the controversy arose because there were no minimum AI-related review standards. We plan to improve the system institutionally." He added that the agency is continuously researching and reviewing guidelines for AI use in publishing with relevant organizations.

Kim, a former two-term mayor of Jeonju, brings a unique background to the role, having focused on culture and public service. He aims to support the publishing industry through various initiatives, including advocating for tax credits on content production costs. "I want to open up possibilities through tax credits," Kim said. "I want our books to broaden their cultural influence so they can provoke intellectual tension and inspire people worldwide."

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I want to open up possibilities through tax credits. I want our books to broaden their cultural influence so they can provoke intellectual tension and inspire people worldwide.