Korean publishers urge lawmakers to extend tax credits to book content

South Korean publishers urged lawmakers on 2 November 2026 to grant tax credits to book content, as reported by Seoul Economic Daily. Industry representatives argued that publishing serves as the fundamental source material for K-content. They pointed out that it is contradictory that publishing receives no tax incentives while sectors such as film, video, and webtoons do. [1]

The calls were made during a forum on introducing tax credits for publishing content and web novels, held at the National Assembly Members Building in Yeouido, Seoul, according to Seoul Economic Daily. The forum was themed The Power of Text: Opening the Future in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Participants examined industry challenges in the artificial intelligence era, focusing on the urgency of expanding the tax credit system. [1]

A tax credit is a financial incentive that permits taxpayers to subtract a specific sum directly from the total tax owed to the government, as described by Wikipedia. It acts as a rebate or state discount on tax liabilities. [4]

Tax incentives for creative industries remain a key topic internationally. Deadline Film Adaptations reported that major Hollywood union leaders recently responded to proposals by outgoing California Governor Gavin Newsom to expand film and television tax credit programs in the United States. [2]