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ARTIST WELFARE ACT

Act No. 11089, Nov. 17, 2011

Amended by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013

Act No. 13970, Feb. 3, 2016

Act No. 15568, Apr. 17, 2018

Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
 Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of this Act is to legally protect the professional status and rights of artists; to promote the creative activities of artists; and to contribute to artistic development by providing artists with welfare support services.
 Article 2 (Definitions)
The terms used in this Act shall be defined as follows:
1. The term “culture and arts” means the culture and arts defined in Article 2 (1) 1 of the Culture and Arts Promotion Act;
2. The term “artist” means a person who earns a living by engaging in artistic activities; contributes to enriching Korean culture, society, economy and politics; and is able to prove his/her activities in creation, performance, technical assistance, etc. in the field of culture and arts, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016]
 Article 2-2 (Relationship with Other Acts)
Except as otherwise expressly provided for in other Acts, this Act shall apply to matters concerning artists’ welfare.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016]
CHAPTER II STATUS, RIGHTS, ETC. OF ARTISTS
 Article 3 (Status and Rights of Artists)
(1) Each artist shall be properly respected as a being who significantly contributes to enhancing Korean culture and to improving the quality of life style of the people.
(2) Each artist shall have a right to perform artistic activities in an environment in which the human dignity and physical and mental stability are secured. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
(3) Each artist shall have a right to freely engage in artistic activities and to fairly enjoy mental and material benefits from the outcomes of artistic activities. <Amended by Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
(4) Each artist shall have a right not to be compelled to sign an unfair contract as tangible or intangible interests are offered or to be threatened with any disadvantage. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013; Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
 Article 4 (Responsibilities, etc. of the State and Local Governments)
(1) The State and local governments shall formulate and implement policies to protect the status and rights of artists and to improve their welfare.
(2) The State and local governments shall formulate policies by which artists may engage in artistic activities without discrimination against provincial origin, gender, age, race, income, etc.
(3) The State and local governments shall devise measures to protect artists from sexual harrassment and violence. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
(4) The State or local governments may provide support necessary for the projects and activities to improve welfare of artists, within budgetary limit. <Amended by Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
 Article 4-2 (Status Surveys)
(1) To use the findings from surveys as underlying data necessary for protecting the rights and interests of artists and formulating and implementing welfare policies for artists, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall survey the status of welfare, creative environments, etc. for artists, every three years; and publicly announce the findings therefrom: Provided, That whenever deemed necessary, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may survey specific areas, issues, etc. <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016; Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
(2) Where deemed necessary to conduct status surveys under paragraph (1), the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may request relevant data from the heads of central administrative agencies, local governments, and public institutions; or individuals, corporations, organizations, etc. that have contracted with artists. In such case, those in receipt of a request for data shall comply therewith, except in extenuating circumstances.
(3) Matters necessary for the details of, scope of, procedures for, etc. status surveys under paragraph (1), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013]
 Article 4-3 (Contracts for Culture and Arts Services)
(1) Contractual parties for services regarding creation, performance, technical assistance, etc. in the field of culture and arts (hereinafter referred to as “culture and arts services”) shall contract on equal terms; and shall fulfill the contract conscientiously and with due care.
(2) Contractual parties under paragraph (1) shall specify the following matters in the contract; and shall exchange their signed originals:
1. Contractual amount;
2. Matters concerning period, renewal, amendment and termination of the contract;
3. Matters concerning rights and obligations of contractual parties;
4. Matters concerning the scope of services, such as the details of duties, tasks, time, place, etc.;
5. Matters concerning profit sharing;
6. Matters concerning settlement of disputes.
(3) Where a standard form contract specified in Article 5 is used, the contract shall be deemed concluded pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2).
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016]
 Article 5 (Disseminating Standard form Contract)
(1) The State shall develop and disseminate a standard form contract in the field of culture and arts so that contractual parties for culture and arts services may contract on equal terms. <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016>
(2) Where the State and local governments provides financial support, such as support with funds from the Culture and Arts Promotion Fund, etc. under Article 16 of the Culture and Arts Promotion Act, they shall accord preferential treatment to a person who uses a standard form contract under paragraph (1). <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016>
(3) Matters necessary for the details of, and methods of disseminating, etc., a standard form contract under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016>
 Article 6 (Measures for Certifying Artist’s Career Experience, etc.)
The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall formulate separate measures necessary for certifying an artist’s career experience, etc. so that artists do not receive groundless unfavorable treatment in employment, wage, working conditions, etc.
 Article 6-2 (Prohibiting Unfair Practices)
(1) Where a person who plans, products or distributes culture and arts programs (hereafter referred to in this Article, as “culture and arts planner, etc.”), contracts with an artist, no culture and art planner, etc. shall perform the following activities that compromise or are likely to compromise free and creative activities or legitimate interests of artists (hereafter referred to in this Article, as “unfair practices”); or make a third party perform such unfair practices: <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb. 3, 2016; Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
1. Pressuring the artist to sign a contract with unfair conditions using a dominant position or to perform activities different from the contract terms and conditions;
2. Refusing, protracting or limiting distribution of adequate profits to the artist;
3. Unjustly obstructing, directing or interfering with the artist’s creative activities;
4. Unjustly using information on the artist learned in the course of contracting; or providing it to a third party.
(2) Where a culture and arts planner, etc. performs unfair practices, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may order him/her to cease such practices; to delete or amend the contract; to publicly announce that an order to take corrective measures is issued due to an unfair practice; and to take other necessary measures for rectification. <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb. 3, 2016>
(3) Where a culture and arts planner, etc. performs the unfair practice prescribed in paragraph (1) 1, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall notify the Fair Trade Commission of such fact.
(4) Where necessary to investigate whether an unfair practice is performed, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may request a culture and arts planner, etc. to report the relevant matters; to submit necessary data; or to appear before the Minister, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, a person in receipt of a request for a report, data or appearance before the Minister shall comply therewith, except in extenuating circumstances. <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb. 3, 2016>
(5) Detailed types and criteria of unfair practices, procedures for handling unfair practices, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016>
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013]
 Article 6-3 (Suspending, etc. Financial Support)
Where a culture and arts planner, etc. fails to comply with an order to take corrective measures under Article 6-2 (2) within the designated period, the State and local governments may suspend the following relevant financial support or disqualify them therefrom:
1. Funding from the Motion Picture Development Fund established under Article 23 of the Promotion of the Motion Pictures and Video Products Act;
2. Funding from the Culture and Arts Promotion Fund established under Article 16 of the Culture and Arts Promotion Act;
3. Funding from the Broadcasting Communications Development Fund established under Article 24 of the Framework Act on Broadcasting Communications Development;
5. Other financial support from the State and local governments.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016]
CHAPTER III SOCIAL SECURITY
 Article 7 (Protecting Artists from Accidents Occurring in Course of Duties)
(1) The Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act shall apply to accidents effecting artists in the course of engaging in the arts, to compensation for them, etc. <Amended by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013>
(2) Where an artist purchases industrial accident compensation insurance pursuant to paragraph (1), the Korean Artists Welfare Foundation referred to in Article 8 may partially subsidize industrial accident compensation insurance premiums to be paid by the artist. <Newly Inserted by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013>
CHAPTER IV KOREA ARTISTS WELFARE FOUNDATION
 Article 8 (Incorporating, etc. Korean Artists Welfare Foundation)
(1) A Korean Artists Welfare Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the “Foundation”) shall be incorporated to efficiently implement artist welfare projects.
(2) The Foundation shall be a corporate entity.
(3) The Foundation shall be duly formed by completing registration for its incorporation upon authorization by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism with the registry at the seat of its main office.
(4) Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Act, provisions concerning incorporated foundations in the Civil Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Foundation.
 Article 9 (Articles of Association)
(1) The articles of association of the Foundation shall specify the following matters:
1. Objectives;
2. Name;
3. Location of main office;
4. Matters regarding the board of directors;
5. Matters regarding executives and employees;
6. Matters regarding property and accounting;
7. Matters regarding public announcement;
8. Matters regarding managing and operating an artist welfare chest;
9. Matters regarding amending to the articles of association.
(2) When the Foundation formulates or amends its articles of association, it shall obtain authorization from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
 Article 10 (Affairs of Foundation)
(1) The Foundation shall perform the following affairs: <Amended by Act No. 13970, Feb. 3, 2016; Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
1. Supporting increasing social security for artists;
2. Supporting job security, job creation and career transition for artists;
3. Supporting the welfare of vulnerable artists, such as supporting livelihood stability of senior artists, etc.;
4. Supporting promoting welfare of independent creative artists;
5. Conducting surveys and research into the welfare and working environments of artists;
6. Managing and operating artist welfare chests;
7. Managing and operating mutual-aid projects for artists;
8. Providing counseling and legal aid services to artists who have suffered losses due to unfair practices;
9. Operating educational programs to protect rights and interests of artists;
10. Providing education to prevent sexual harrassment and violence in the artistic community and supporting with damage relief;
11. Implementing projects entrusted by the government;
12. Implementing other projects prescribed by Presidential Decree to improve artist welfare.
(2) The Foundation may engage in for-profit business to attain its objectives, with authorization from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in addition to the affairs specified in paragraph (1).
 Article 10-2 (Subsidizing Expenses and Receiving Donations)
(1) The State may contribute or subsidize expenses necessary for projects and business operations of the Foundation, within budgetary limits.
(2) Notwithstanding the main sentence of Article 5 (2) of the Act on Collection and Use of Donations, the Foundation may receive money and goods donated voluntarily to support the business specified in Article 10.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013]
 Article 10-3 (Consent to Providing Data or Information)
(1) Where necessary for the affairs specified in Article 10 (1), the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may have artists, their parents or spouses, or persons prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as “household member”) submit a written consent to providing the following data or information:
1. Average deposit balance and the data or information prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as “financial information”) among the data or information on financial assets and financial transactions defined in subparagraphs 2 and 3 of Article 2 of the Act on Real Name Financial Transactions and Confidentiality;
2. Amount of debt and the data or information prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as “credit information”) among the credit information defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Credit Information Use and Protection Act;
3. Insurance premiums paid since purchasing insurance prescribed in Article 4 (1) of the Insurance Business Act, and the data or information prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as “insurance information”).
(2) Matters necessary for the methods, procedures, etc. for consent to providing the data or information specified in paragraph (1), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 15568, Apr. 17, 2018]
 Article 11 (Prohibition against Use of Similar Names)
No entity other than the Foundation under this Act shall use the name “the Korean Artists Welfare Foundation” or similar.
 Article 12 (Executives)
(1) Executives of the Foundation shall consist of not more than 15 directors, including one chairperson and one full-time director; and one auditor. <Amended by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013>
(2) A chairperson shall be appointed and dismissed by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; a full-time director shall be appointed and dismissed by the chairperson with approval from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism from among persons recommended by the board of directors; directors and an auditor except for the chairperson and full-time director shall be appointed pursuant to the articles of association. <Amended by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013>
(3) The chairperson, directors and auditor shall have a term of office of three years; and may be reappointed for only one consecutive term.
(4) The chairperson shall represent the Foundation; and have overall charge of the affairs of the Foundation. <Amended by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013>
(5) The auditor shall examine and audit the affairs of the Foundation.
 Article 13 (Board of Directors)
(1) To deliberate and determine significant matters of business, the Foundation shall have a board of directors.
(2) The board of directors shall consist of directors, including the chairperson.
(3) The chairperson shall convene and chair board of directors meetings.
(4) In extenuating circumstances, another director shall vicariously perform the duties of the chairperson, as specified by the articles of association.
(5) A quorum for board of directors meetings shall be a majority of directors on the register; and resolutions shall be passed with concurring votes of a majority of directors present.
(6) The auditor may attend board of directors meetings; and express his/her opinions.
 Article 14 (Business Year and Business Plan)
(1) The business year of the Foundation shall coincide with the fiscal year of the Government.
(2) Each year, the Foundation shall submit a business plan, budget, and revenue and expenditure statement to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism as prescribed by Presidential Decree. The same shall also apply to amendment to the business plan and budget.
(3) Where needs arise, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may request the Foundation to submit data related to the business plan, budget and annual report.
 Article 15 (Supervision, etc.)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may have public officials in his/her Ministry examine the business, accounting and assets of the Foundation; or may order the Foundation to submit data necessary for examination.
(2) If any illegality or unjust practices are discovered during an examination under paragraph (1), the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may order the Foundation to rectify them or take other necessary measures.
 Article 15-2 (Request for Data and Use of Computer Networks)
(1) Where necessary to verify the eligibility for support or the appropriateness of eligibility of an artist who receives or intends to receive support for the affairs specified in Article 10 (1) (hereinafter referred to as “artist eligible for support”), the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may request the heads of central administrative agencies; local governments; and related institutions or organizations, to allow artists to use relevant computer networks or to provide data prescribed by Presidential Decree regarding family relations; resident registration; national taxes; local taxes; land; buildings; income; property; immigration; health insurance; national pension; employment insurance; and industrial accident compensation insurance of the artist eligible for support or his/her household member: Provided, That where verification through administrative data matching under Article 38 (1) of the Electronic Government Act is possible, such case shall be excluded.
(2) To verify data specified in paragraph (1), the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may access and utilize the social security information system referred to in Article 37 (2) of the Framework Act on Social Security.
(3) A person in receipt of a request to allow the use of computer networks or to provide data pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) shall comply therewith, except in extenuating circumstances.
(4) No person who performs or has performed duties under paragraphs (1) through (3) shall use the information he/she has received or learned pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (3), for other than the purpose prescribed by this Act; or shall provide or disclose it to other persons or institutions.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 15568, Apr. 17, 2018]
 Article 15-3 (Request for Financial Information, etc. and Provision thereof)
(1) To assess assets of an artist eligible for support and his/her household member (hereinafter referred to as “account title holder”), the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may request the heads of finance companies, etc. (referring to the finance companies, etc. defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Act on Real Name Financial Transactions and Confidentiality and the credit information collection agencies defined in subparagraph 6 of Article 2 of the Credit Information Use and Protection Act; hereinafter the same shall apply) to provide financial information, credit information or insurance information (hereinafter referred to as “financial information, etc.”) by submitting electronically-converted consent of the artist and his/her household member pursuant to Article 10-3 (1), notwithstanding Article 4 (1) of the Act on Real Name Financial Transactions and Confidentiality and Article 32 (2) of the Credit Information Use and Protection Act.
(2) The heads of finance companies, etc. in receipt of a request for financial information, etc. pursuant to paragraph (1) shall provide the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism with the financial information, etc. of the account title holder, notwithstanding Article 4 (1) of the Act on Real Name Financial Transactions and Confidentiality and Article 32 (1) and (3) of the Credit Information Use and Protection Act.
(3) The heads of finance companies, etc. who have provided the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism with financial information, etc. pursuant to paragraph (2) shall notify the account title holder of such fact: Provided, That where the account title holder provides consent to providing such information, the heads of finance companies, etc. need not notify the account title holder, notwithstanding Article 4-2 (1) of the Act on Real Name Financial Transactions and Confidentiality and Article 32 (7) of the Credit Information Use and Protection Act.
(4) Requests for financial information, etc. and provision thereof under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be made through the information and communications networks defined in Article 2 (1) 1 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, Etc.: Provided, That in extenuating circumstances, such as malfunctioning information and communications networks, this shall not apply.
(5) No person who performs or has performed any of the duties specified in paragraphs (1), (2) and (4) shall use the financial information, etc. he/she has received pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (4) for other than the purpose prescribed by this Act; or shall provide or disclose it to third persons or institutions.
(6) Matters necessary for requests for financial information, etc., provision thereof, etc. under paragraphs (1), (2) and (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 15568, Apr. 17, 2018]
 Article 15-4 (Collecting, etc. Data and Information)
The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the heads of institutions delegated or entrusted with artist welfare services pursuant to Article 16-2, may collect, manage, hold or process data, financial information, etc. they have received pursuant to Article 15-2 or 15-3.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 15568, Apr. 17, 2018]
CHAPTER V SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
 Article 16 (Deemed Public Officials for Purposes of Penalty Provisions)
The executives and employees of the Foundation shall be deemed public officials for the purposes of penalty provisions under the Criminal Act or other Acts.
 Article 16-2 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may partially delegate his/her authority under this Act to the heads of local governments, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) Pursuant to Presidential Decree, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may fully or partially entrust his/her duties under this Act to the Foundation; or institutions, corporations or organizations established to promote artist welfare.
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 13970, Feb, 3, 2016]
CHAPTER VI PENALTY PROVISIONS
 Article 17 (Penalty Provisions)
Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won:
1. A person who uses, provides or discloses data or information, in violation of Article 15-2 (4);
2. A person who uses, provides or discloses financial information, etc., in violation of Article 15-3 (5).
[This Article Newly Inserted by Act No. 15568, Apr. 17, 2018]
 Article 18 (Administrative Fines)
(1) Any of the following persons shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding five million won: <Amended by Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013; Act No. 13970, Feb. 3, 2016>
1. A person who fails to submit data; or submits false data, in violation of Article 4-2 (3);
1-2. A culture and arts planner, etc. who fails to prepare a written contract for culture and arts services, in violation of Article 4-3 (2);
2. A person who violates a corrective order under Article 6-2 (2);
3. A person who fails to submit a report or data; or submits false data, in violation of Article 6-2 (4);
4. A person who uses the name “the Korea Artists Welfare Foundation” or similar names, in violation of Article 11.
(2) The administrative fines referred to in paragraph (1) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
ADDENDUM
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 12136, Dec. 30, 2013>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 13970, Feb. 3, 2016>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15568, Apr. 17, 2018>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 15821, Oct. 16, 2018>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.