Between promise and limitation: Gyeonggi-do artist opportunity income from a participation income perspective, South Korea

Artists generate considerable social and cultural value, yet they are frequently undercompensated in the market. Income support policies targeting artists have recently gained traction internationally. Introduced by Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, in 2023 the Artist Opportunity Income is notable for explicitly grounding financial support in the social value created through artistic activity. This paper draws on Anthony B. Atkinson's theory of participation income to interpret the scheme after the fact, critically examining its significance and limitations. The analysis finds that, while the scheme aligns with participation income’s core spirit in formally recognising artistic activity as social contribution, it departs from its principles in three respects: a narrow definition of participation, income-based means-testing, and a conceptual gap in operationalising social value. Building on this, the paper proposes the concept of categorical participation income and considers the challenges that arise when participation income is applied to a specific occupational group.