This analysis examines the promotion of European films in South Korea, highlighting implications for cultural relations.
The European Union (EU) has long recognised the artistic, economic, and geopolitical value of its cultural industries, with the European Film Industry (EFI) playing a key role in its external cultural relations. Given the South Korean film industry’s relevance in the internal and international market, it offers a valuable case for analysing the interface between European and non-European film industries, particularly in the context of the EU’s external cultural relations. This paper examines how the EU promotes European films, and more broadly the EFI, in South Korea, focusing on market performance, policy instruments, and the consistency of initiatives between the European and the national levels. Based on market data, document analysis, semi-structured interviews with European and South Korean film professionals, and participant observation at the Asian Contents & Film Market, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of the EU’s and member states’ interests and strategies in promoting the EFI in South Korea.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fernandes et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: