Culture Minister Yu In-chon speaks during a seminar on establishing a popular culture Hall of Fame at the Press Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is collaborating with entertainment industry figures — from actors and singers to voice artists and comedians — to create Korea's first official pop culture Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame will be a commemorative space covering all areas of Korean popular culture, serving as a comprehensive facility for archiving materials, providing education and creating a monument for artists who have contributed to the nation's global cultural impact.

To support this initiative, a private committee was launched last month, consisting of 27 notable figures from various entertainment fields, including actors Yoo Dong-geun, Lee Jung-jae, singer Rain and comedian Shin Dong-yup. From March to August, the ministry hosts monthly seminars to collect feedback and ideas from industry experts and popular artists about how best to develop the Hall of Fame.

"This idea was first proposed 17 years ago but didn't materialize at the time. Now, however, the cultural environment has evolved drastically, and the global recognition and value of Korean pop culture have grown significantly. I'm concerned we may not get another chance if we miss this opportunity," Culture Minister Yu In-chon, who is also an actor, said during the March seminar at the Press Center in central Seoul Wednesday.

"Pop culture is now at the forefront of raising our nation's status and spreading our culture worldwide. It's extremely important that we record and preserve things well from now on and remember the hard work of those who have dedicated their entire lives to this field … The Hall of Fame may be different from what we imagine. However, if thoughtfully created with meaningful representation, I believe it will inspire numerous related initiatives."

Actor Yoo Dong-geun speaks during a seminar for a popular culture Hall of Fame at the Press Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Noting his experience encountering artists from Western countries, the minister shared that local artists' quality of life and job satisfaction should reflect the growing reputation of Korean pop culture.

"Since we are almost on par with countries like the United States and Europe, I believe we should provide treatment, compensation and living conditions for artists that match that level. I hope this project will offer hope to many popular culture artists working in this industry," he said.

During the seminar, Chae Ji-young, a senior researcher at the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute (KCTI), emphasized the Hall of Fame's role in enhancing national pride and cultural diplomacy. She explained that as the country's pop culture is increasingly getting global attention, this is a crucial time to preserve its history and reassess the public's scrutiny towards its artists, underscoring that the rising prominence of pop culture can lead to the growth of the country's economy and tourism.

"I believe that if we treat our pop culture artists with respect within our country, they will also be able to receive the same level of respect abroad. I think the Hall of Fame should play a role in dispelling various prejudices and derogatory views about the artists and in elevating their status," Chae said.

Actor Jung Joon-ho, right, a member of the private committee to promote the proposed pop culture Hall of Fame, speaks during a seminar at the Press Center in central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

On behalf of the actors, Yoo noted that the project should be led by the government to hold symbolic value as a Hall of Fame.

"Some may argue that artists should fund it themselves, given their high earnings. But a privately funded memorial is just a memorial hall, lacking national and historical importance," he said. "Pop culture holds intangible heritage and historical value that demand official recognition through an official Hall of Fame."

Other members of the committee, including actors Jung Bo-seog and Shin Hyun-joon and singer Nam Jin, voiced the necessity of the project during a roundtable discussion.

"I believe we should create a space befitting a cultural powerhouse and enhance our country's cultural competitiveness," Jung said. "If the Hall of Fame is created, it will strengthen the pride of the artists and become the driving force to continue the revival of 'hallyu,' or the Korean wave."

Nam added, "I hope the establishment of the Hall of Fame is not just a slogan or a thought, but a space that proceeds together with the people."