Seoul – February 10, 2026 – South Korea’s public broadcaster, KBS, reached a landmark agreement with the Korea Broadcasting Actors’ Workers’ Union on February 9th, solidifying terms for appearance fees and welfare expenses through 2026.
New Pact Aims to Bolster Korean Broadcast Industry
The collective bargaining agreement promises improved conditions for actors and a more sustainable production environment.
- KBS and the Korea Broadcasting Actors’ Workers’ Union (Han Yeon-ro) finalized a collective agreement covering 2025-2026.
- The agreement focuses on raising appearance fees based on actor grade and improving on-set working conditions.
- Both parties committed to fostering a more stable and supportive broadcast production ecosystem.
- Han Yeon-ro represents over 6,000 performers, including actors, voice actors, and martial arts specialists.
- CJ ENM launched the ‘AI Content Alliance’ to build an artificial intelligence content industry ecosystem.
The agreement, announced by KBS on Monday, signifies a commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of performers and fostering a more collaborative relationship between the broadcaster and its talent. Both sides pledged to work together to elevate appearance fees according to established grading systems and address concerns related to on-site costs for actors. This move aims to create a more sustainable and equitable environment for broadcast production in Korea.
What are the key benefits of this new agreement for Korean actors? The deal promises improved compensation, better on-set treatment, and enhanced welfare benefits for union members, ultimately contributing to a more secure and rewarding career path for performers.
Simultaneously, CJ ENM unveiled the ‘AI Content Alliance’ on February 10th, a pioneering initiative bringing together small and medium-sized AI production companies and educational institutions. This collaboration seeks to establish a robust ecosystem for the artificial intelligence content industry in Korea, positioning the nation as a global competitor in this rapidly evolving field.
The launch ceremony, held at the CJ ENM Center in Sangam-dong on February 9th, drew participation from Kim Jae-hyeon, head of the Culture Media Industry Office of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, representatives from CJ ENM, 12 AI production firms, and five educational institutions. Plans are underway to broaden the alliance’s reach to include both domestic and international media and technology companies.
The AI Content Alliance will concentrate on five core areas: expanding the creation of unique AI content, conducting specialized research and development, cultivating skilled professionals, broadening distribution channels both domestically and internationally, and establishing a supportive policy framework. A talent training program, developed through industry-academic collaboration, is slated to launch in the second half of the year, with joint production projects commencing through regular workshops and meetings.
Han Yeon-ro, the union representing over 6,000 actors, voice actors, martial arts performers, and thespians, played a crucial role in negotiating the agreement with KBS. The collective bargaining process reflects a growing emphasis on fair labor practices and the importance of valuing the contributions of performers in the Korean broadcast industry.
