Publication Date: April 10, 2026
Outlet: Valor Econômico
Article (in Portuguese):
Description: South Korea’s cultural content industry has emerged as a major sector within the national economy, extending beyond the realm of popular culture. Significant achievements can be seen across various fields, including K-pop, music, film, publishing, and gaming.
According to the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, cultural content exports reached USD 14.1 billion in 2024 and are estimated to have increased to approximately USD 15 billion in 2025, reflecting continued industry growth. This trend is closely linked to the expansion of Korean content consumption across multiple sectors, where initial interest—often sparked by music—extends into dramas, films, food, fashion, and language.
In Brazil, this phenomenon is particularly evident. Interest driven by K-pop has expanded into other areas such as dramas, films, and cuisine, with some consumers becoming more deeply engaged through relocation or participation in related activities. Fans also play an active role in translating content, sharing information, and organizing communities, contributing significantly to the spread of Korean culture.
The development of Korea’s cultural industry is also tied to long-term government policies. Since the late 1990s, the Korean government has promoted the sector through tax incentives, financial support, and initiatives to encourage global expansion. Organizations such as the Korea Creative Content Agency have supported companies and facilitated international outreach.
These policies have also influenced the global spread of Korean culture. Institutions such as the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil have expanded access to Korean content through exhibitions, educational programs, and events. Director Kim Cheol-hong of the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil noted the growing interest in Korean culture in Brazil, highlighting how content consumption often leads to engagement with other cultural elements.
Additionally, Korea and Brazil have discussed cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and copyright, exchanging views on policy responses related to the digital content environment. Experts point to Korea’s case as an example of how sustained policy support contributes to the development of the cultural industry, emphasizing the importance of coordination between government, market, and human resources.
Meanwhile, although Brazil has also implemented policies related to the cultural industry, its industrial structure and level of internationalization are considered more limited. As a result, Korea’s experience is often cited as a reference model.