Stream Classics to Latest K-Movies & Shows at OnDemandKorea

High expectation on 'Good Downloader' campaign

Actor Ahn Sung-ki and Park Joong-hoon became co-chairman of 'Good Downloader' campaign committee. They teamed up with Korea's popular actors and actresses who promote the campaign against illegal download. 12 stars have already joined forces for the campaign without performance fee. They include Song Kang-ho, Jang Dong-gun, Jung Woo-sung, Ha Ji-won, Kim Ha-neul, Um Jung-hwa and Shin Min-a. They go every corner wearing a T-shirt saying 'I'm a Good Downloader'.

What is noticeable in this campaign is that it is not arm-twisting and negative movement arguing 'Let's crack down on illegal copying!' Rather, it is a positive one, encouraging legal download. This positive campaign began after realizing that existing tactics failed to change users' practices amid a situation where illegal download is increasing on the internet.

According to the Korean Film Council, 65.3% of the surveyed answered that it is illegal to download a movie free of charge in 2005, 56.6% in 2006, 46.8% in 2007 and 42.8% in 2008, showing a downward trend during 3 years. More than half of the general public hasn't recognized that free download of movies is illegal and recognition on its illegality has been on the decrease. Worse yet, the market for illegal download is being expanded. As of 2006, the market size for illegal download was 600 billion won, half of that for legal download of 1.3 trillion won. Therefore, it is understandable that why some argue that illegal download is more threatening to the film industry than reduction of screen quota.

Illegal download is harmful to the foundation of cultural industry. And it is quite detrimental in a digital environment where 75% of the general public or 35million use the internet. This affects culture and art including not only the film industry but also recording, publication and broadcasting. That's why special measure is needed to revitalize the market and nurture culture which encourage and value legal download. In keeping with 'Good Downloader' campaign led by those in the film industry until Jan. next year, the government, for its part, should do its best to raise awareness on it among the public. The first step to take to be a culturally advanced country is to create a cyber space where practices of legal download are firmly established.

The Source : KOCCA

Advertisement

❎ Try Ad-free