Consumer and civic groups urged the government to include consumers in a voluntary agreement on a film holdback that it is pursuing. They also called for discussions alongside it on movie ticket prices and settlement transparency.

The Lawyers for a Democratic Society's People's Livelihood Economy Committee, the Ansan Consumer Groups Council and the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy's People's Livelihood Hope Headquarters made the call on Aug. 24 at a news conference at the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy in Jongno district, Seoul.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Film Council are operating a public-private consultative body for improving South Korea's film distribution structure, with participation from cinemas, production and distribution companies, and industries including OTT and IPTV. It is discussing measures including a plan to delay releases on other platforms by up to about 150 days after a theatrical release.

The groups said setting a uniform holdback period could restrict consumers' choice of how to watch films, and that consumer and civic groups should also take part in the consultations. They said existing problems in the film distribution structure, including cinema ticket prices, mobile carriers' discounts and settlement details for production and distribution companies, should also be discussed together with the holdback.

They said they do not oppose the holdback system itself. Kim Ju-ho (김주호), head of the people's livelihood economy team at the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, said, "Consumer and civic society groups have not reached a settled position on whether a holdback should be introduced or stopped." He said related issues and consumer views should be discussed together in the consultative body.

The Distribution Companies Solidarity, which is participating in the consultative body, also voiced concerns about the current discussion method. Lee Hwa-bae (이화배), head of the group, said, "Restrictions on distribution in the online market are one of several elements that make up a holdback," and argued that the exclusive theatrical screening period and the timing of online releases should be discussed together.

The groups demanded that the ministry ensure consumer and civic groups' participation in the voluntary agreement. They also called for cinema ticket prices, mobile carrier discount marketing, average ticket price and the transparency of settlement details to be handled as formal agenda items.