3 6 Ke·2025-10-27 01:44Core Viewpoint - The South Korean gaming industry is experiencing a renaissance following President Lee Jae-myung's remarks that redefine gaming as a cultural industry rather than an addictive substance, criticizing past government policies that categorized gaming alongside drugs and alcohol [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context - The South Korean gaming industry faced significant challenges starting in 2011 due to the implementation of the "Cinderella Law," which restricted gaming access for minors, leading to a decline in industry growth and innovation [3][4]. - The gap between the Chinese and South Korean gaming industries began to widen after 2011, with China's market growing significantly faster, particularly in mobile gaming, while South Korea struggled under regulatory burdens [4][5]. Group 2: Regulatory Changes - In 2021, the "Cinderella Law" was abolished, replaced by a "parental choice system," allowing families to manage minors' gaming time, reflecting a shift in regulatory approach [10]. - Concurrently, China's gaming regulations became stricter, limiting minors' gaming time significantly, which led to a downturn in the Chinese gaming market [12][13]. Group 3: Current Industry Dynamics - Despite regulatory changes, South Korea's gaming industry has not seen a resurgence comparable to China's recovery, with growth rates lagging behind [17][20]. - The South Korean government has introduced various support policies for the gaming industry, including talent development and financial incentives, but these have not yet translated into significant market growth [16][19]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The South Korean government aims to elevate the gaming industry to a national strategic level, emphasizing its cultural value and potential for economic contribution, particularly in exports [20][21]. - The competitive landscape suggests that while South Korea is attempting to leverage policy advantages, the inherent entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in China's gaming sector remain formidable challenges [19][22].