Export growth of S. Korean cultural content slowed in 2007

SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) -- The growth in exports of South Korean movies,
television dramas and books slowed in 2007 as the once-booming popularity of the
nation's pop culture in Asia cooled, a report showed Wednesday.

In 2007, South Korea exported US$1.5 billion worth of cultural content, up 13.3
percent from a year ago, according to the report published by a research unit of
the Korea International Trade Association.
But the growth rate was significantly slower than a 60.9 percent jump seen in
2003, the report noted.
It also said the so-called "Korean wave," a term used to describe the immense
popularity of South Korean dramas and music across Asia, peaked in the early
2000s.
To prevent export growth from slowing further, the report urged the government to
take measures to support companies in the fields of film, music and publishing.
(END)