Canada and the Republic of Korea have taken a major step toward strengthening their creative industries, signing a modernized audiovisual coproduction treaty designed to expand collaboration across film, television and digital media.
Announced today by Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, the agreement updates and replaces the 1995 memorandum of understanding on television coproduction between the two countries. The Korean delegation for the signing was led by Minsu Ko, Standing Commissioner of the Korea Media and Communications Commission.
The new treaty reflects the changing realities of a rapidly evolving global entertainment market. By broadening its scope beyond television to include film and digital media, the agreement is expected to create a more flexible and modern framework for Canadian and Korean creators, producers and companies seeking to work together.
For Canada, a country with longstanding expertise in international coproduction, the agreement reinforces an approach that has helped creative professionals partner with markets around the world while bringing Canadian stories to global audiences. It also deepens cultural and economic ties with South Korea, a nation whose creative exports continue to command worldwide attention.
“Canadian stories reflect who we are and resonate with audiences around the world. This new agreement with the Republic of Korea will help the Canadian audiovisual sector to establish more partnerships with Korean counterparts and build on the momentum of our recent trade mission to South Korea, deepening cultural and trade ties between our two countries. I look forward to seeing Canadian artists and creative businesses bring their talent and creativity to partnerships with Korea in ways that attract investments and support the growth of our creative economy,” expressed the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The treaty also builds on Canada’s recent creative industries trade mission to East Asia, signalling a broader push to modernize international coproduction agreements and open new markets for domestic talent and businesses.
Once ratified and implemented, the deal is expected to unlock fresh opportunities for producers, artists and investors in both countries, while helping audiences discover more collaborative content shaped by two dynamic creative sectors.
“I am confident that this agreement will lay a solid foundation for audiovisual coproduction between our two countries, serving as a catalyst for industry growth while deepening mutual understanding and friendship. Korea will also continue to support the global expansion of creative and diverse content in partnership with Canada,” stated Kim Jong-chul, Chairperson of the Korea Media and Communications Commission.
With shared commitments to creativity, innovation and cultural exchange, Canada and South Korea are positioning themselves for a new era of screen collaboration.