Dynamics and Prospects of the Shortening Theatrical Release Window in the South Korean Media Market : Focusing on Stakeholder Conflicts and Policy Responses

Key Points

• This research aims to identify the conflict structure arising from the shortening of the theatrical release window and examine the viability of legal frameworks.
• Conducted in-depth interviews with 11 stakeholders and external experts within the film value chain.
• Analyzed conflicts among three primary groups: traditional film industry, new media/capital, and external experts.
• Traditional film industry faces a breakdown of distribution structure due to holdback shortening, demonstrating institutional resistance and rent-seeking behavior.
• New media/capital stakeholders perceive that regulations may deter investment in the domestic film industry.
• External experts highlight the shift of consumers to active participants via new media, warning that legal frameworks may hinder this structural change.