The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced that small and medium-sized stores can play Christmas carols without worrying about copyrights. (Image : stevepb / Pixabay)
SEOUL, Dec.10 (Korea Bizwire) – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced that small and medium-sized stores can play Christmas carols without worrying about copyrights.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will inform the public on the matter together with the Korea Music Copyright Association, Korean Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Federation of Korean Music Performers and the Recording Industry Association.
The ministry emphasized that pubs and restaurants smaller than 3,000 square meters can play Christmas carols freely without paying copyright fees.
In addition, department stores, shopping centers, large discount stores and hotels, which have been paying copyright fees dutifully, will not have to pay additional fees to play carols.
Authorities said that because carols could not be heard on the streets last year, the season didn’t seem merry and jolly. “Since many small businesses are worrying about fees, we are planning to inform them that there is no need to worry. With carols playing in the streets, we hope to prevent shrinking consumption and boost the holiday spirit.”
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
