South Korea’s copyright groups agree to MOU for collecting royalties from fitness sector

Korea’s major music rights organizations recently came together to address the ongoing issue of royalty collection from the fitness industry. This collaboration aims to streamline the process of fee distribution and collection from fitness businesses, which frequently find themselves entangled in legal disputes regarding music usage.

Representatives from various organizations, including the Korea Fitness Manager Association (KFMA), signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure that member businesses can utilize music legally and conveniently. Kim Sung-woo, a representative of KFMA, emphasized the importance of this agreement in allowing businesses to comply with copyright laws while using music in their establishments.

The prevalent legal conflicts in fitness centers across the country arise from the complexities of music copyright fees. Many owners have faced disputes and legal challenges due to unpaid royalties. To address these issues, the organizations involved in this initiative aim to establish a sustainable model of coexistence between copyright holders and fitness businesses.

LIV Music CEO Kim Yong-hoon highlighted the shift in perspective, emphasizing that business owners should be viewed as customers in the performance market rather than copyright violators. This change in mindset is essential for fostering a healthier culture within the fitness industry and ensuring compliance with copyright regulations.

The collaborative effort involved various key organizations, including KFMA, LIV Music, the Korean Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, the Federation of Korean Music Performers, and the Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association. By joining forces, these entities aim to enhance industry credibility and promote a more harmonious relationship between music rights holders and fitness establishments.

Overall, this initiative marks a significant step towards resolving the ongoing challenges faced by the fitness industry in terms of music copyright fees. By facilitating the collection and distribution of royalties, these organizations are working towards creating a more transparent and compliant environment for fitness businesses to operate in. The ultimate goal is to establish a mutually beneficial framework that supports the interests of both music rights organizations and fitness centers, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of the industry.