Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday the video gaming industry is a key pillar of the cultural sector and a source of youth employment, pledging active policy support for game developers and content creators. Lee made the remarks during a meeting with senior executives of local video game companies as part of his broader initiatives to foster cultural and entertainment industries as new engines for economic growth.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized that the gaming industry should be viewed not merely as a source of addiction but as a key cultural industry that drives youth employment and exports. His comments were made during a meeting at PUBG Seongsu, a cultural space for Krafton's battle royale game PUBG: Battlegrounds. Lee advocated for a shift in governmental roles from suppression to opportunity creation.

He further highlighted the importance of ensuring that the benefits of the thriving video gaming industry reach young employees. Lee expressed concern about whether young employees involved in research, development, and management can share in the successes of a game, which typically boosts sales and profits for companies.

Lee announced that the government would transition from a regulation-focused approach to one that provides policy support. This shift aims to position the gaming industry as a key driver for the cultural sector's expansion into global markets. He underscored the view that the gaming industry is not just entertainment but an early form of cultural industry crucial for Korea's development into a global cultural powerhouse.

In conclusion, Lee called for a change in policy direction to actively support the cultural industry, especially the gaming sector, to facilitate its global expansion.