Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > Japanese Government Policies in Education, Science, Sports and Culture 2000 > Part 1 Chapter 4 Section 5 5

Anticipating that an influx of Japanese culture could possibly have a negative effect on cultural identity and the domestic industries concerned, the Republic of Korea imposed severe restrictions on the performance of Japanese songs, the screening of Japanese films, the opening of Japanese anime theatres, the broadcast of Japanese anime on television in the Republic of Korea, and the import of Japanese magazines.

The new government, however, has implemented an open-door policy with regard to Japanese culture three times in recent history: in October 1998, September 1999, and June 2000. These measures substantially relaxed the regulations on Japanese culture, completely eliminating the restrictions imposed on the performance of Japanese songs and allowing most Japanese films to play at Korean theatres.

Examining the effects of these measures at home, the Republic of Korea's Government claims that its basic policy is to continue deregulation with respect to Japanese culture.

Since Japan and the Republic of Korea will jointly hold the 2002 FIFA World Cup, both Governments have proclaimed the year 2002 as the "Year of Japan-the Republic of Korea: National Exchange in 2002" and plan a wide variety of cultural exchange activities.