What is the role and strategy of local governments for the development of e-sports? Korea E-Sports Industry Association Holds Spring Conference
Apr 13, 2025
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The Korea e-Sports Industry Association announced on the 11th that it held a spring academic conference on the theme of 'Role and Strategy of Local Governments for the Development of e-Sports' at Dankook University's Jukjeon Campus. Local government, private and academic experts gathered to share various perspectives and action plans on regional-oriented e-sports policies and industrial strategies, the society said.
Song Seok-rok, president of the Korea e-sports Industry Association (Kyungdong University professor), pointed out the need to enact the "e-sports club law" and suggested the direction of expanding the MZ generation-based physical activity e-sports, pointing out the lack of institutional limitations and concreteness despite the enactment of a number of ordinances.
In the presentation of policy cases, Song Jeong-ho (Gwangju Information Culture Industry Promotion Agency) emphasized strengthening regional-led brands and social inclusion through the Gwangju e-Sports Series (GES), the operation of inclusive competitions for the disabled, and fan-led content production. Han Sang-min (Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency) announced the GC Busan operation experience, growth background as a G-Star central city, e-sports Living Lab framework, and international standardization strategy for the disabled.
Professor Kim Kyung-min (Dankook University), Professor Heo Gun-sik (Seoil University), and Director Yeo Byung-ho (Smilegate) participated as the hosts of Professor Jeong Yeon-chul (Honam University) to discuss various policy realities and possibilities, including structural limitations of local governments, the role of the implementation entity, the model for attracting professional teams, and the adoption of official events for the National Sports Festival.
A total of eight papers were presented in the second part of the academic session. Professor Kim Jung-tae (Dongyang University) presented the 'Esport City Model' and introduced strategies for establishing an industrial foundation and creating jobs centered on local governments through the concept of e-sports city, school, and social safety net (MAT). Professor Ha Jae-pil (Dankook University) pointed out the limitations of the current leadership qualification system and emphasized the need to introduce a youth-only track and emotional guidance-oriented curriculum. In the comprehensive discussion, Cho Hyun-joo, a senior researcher (Korea Sports Science Institute), discussed the need for governance of e-sports organizations, and the progress of Professor Cho Hyun-rae (Yongin University) led to practical suggestions on IP issues, policy reality, legal system improvement, and local government linkage.
Chairman Song Seok-rok said, `This conference has served as an opportunity to explore concrete and feasible policy alternatives, such as the institutionalization of e-sports clubs, beyond abstract promotion ordinances, and suggests that practical discussions centered on local governments are essential. A three-dimensional approach that takes into account regional development, e-sports cities, and youth employment will support the sustainability of the e-sports industry in the future," he said, emphasizing the need for an organic cooperation structure between local governments, industry, and academia.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
