Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young on Aug. 27 gives a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries at the hotel Hilton Gyeongju in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

By Kim Hyelin
Photos = Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young said on Aug. 27, "The creative and culture industries are a pivotal force driving the creation of jobs and economic value."

He said this in his speech at the opening ceremony for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) at the hotel Hilton Gyeongju in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

The event was APEC's first official gathering of culture ministers from the body's 21 member states.

"Today, we face a rapid transition due to fast-developing technology characterized by artificial intelligence," Minister Choi said. "These changes have resulted in explosive consumption of cultural content to create new added value and further boosting of culture's positive effects on the economy."

"CCI based on creativity and cultural factors go beyond mere cultural expression in becoming pivotal sectors; they directly impact macroeconomic indexes such as economic growth and job creation."

"Since its inception, APEC has pursued as its main objectives economic growth and cultivation of a community spirit through mutual cooperation," he added. "In keeping with APEC's fundamental spirit, the Republic of Korea has focused on CCI as potential areas for more proactive and mutual prosperity beyond economic cooperation, and thus we decided to host the High-Level Dialogue on CCI."

"I hope that the dialogue today will not just be the first step toward full-fledged talks on CCI cooperation within APEC, but also a milestone heralding the beginning of prosperity via culture."

The event began with a welcoming dinner on Aug. 26 followed by plenary sessions from Aug. 27-28. Under the theme "CCI: New Horizons for Prosperity," the dialogue is divided into three sections -- connect, innovate and prosper -- and will adopt a joint resolution on the last day.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young (seventh from left in front row) on Aug. 27 takes a group photo with chief delegates from other member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) at the opening ceremony for the APEC High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries at the hotel Hilton Gyeongju in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. .