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DOJ backs fair use for AI training as publishers challenge the evidence
The DOJ backs fair use for AI training, while publishers challenge its evidence and licensing arguments. With no ruling yet, the dispute turns on market substitution. Korean broadcasters’ lawsuit and Daum’s proposed payments show the stakes for media rights and revenue.
Korean Broadcast Law Reform Proposals Target Viewer Redress and Fairer Production Deals
At a forum co-hosted by Korea’s media regulator, presenters proposed letting viewers file broadcast disputes, now open only to operators, and banning unfair treatment of independent producers. Panelists backed both but flagged overlap with telecom mediation and gaps covering Netflix.
Amazon Hands the Ad-Buying Process to AI Agents
At unBoxed 2026 in San Francisco on Sept. 29, Amazon said its new Amazon Ads Agent will replace the Ad Console and the DSP interface. Advertisers set a goal, a budget and creative; AI runs search, display, streaming and audio as one campaign.
Kim Eun sook Becomes First Writer to Win the Golden Bird Award
Kim Eun-sook has been named the first writer to receive the Seoul International Drama Awards’ Golden Bird Award. The honor recognizes a career spanning Lovers in Paris, Goblin and The Glory. The ceremony takes place on October 8 at KBS Hall in Seoul.
From 30-Second Ads to Japanese Manga: An AI Studio Bets on Control
Oneness Korea is applying the Controllable AI it proved in ads to manga IP from Japan's top three publishers. CEO Kim Jin-su aims to turn work-for-hire into IP ownership. Its CTO speaks at AICON 2026 in Singapore on Oct. 9.
Disney Seeks AI Legal Director as Legal Team Faces Cuts
Disney has advertised an AI legal engineering role after warning of cuts to its Legal & Global Affairs organization. The brief covers workflow redesign, technology sourcing and investment returns, putting AI adoption alongside a broader review of how legal services are delivered.
Disney Cuts Costs and Raises Prices as Streaming Profits Grow
Disney is cutting costs and raising U.S. streaming prices despite stronger profits. As it promotes bundles and expands international originals, Korean producers face questions over commissioning budgets, rights and deal terms.
povo Turns Shinkansen Gate Taps Into Three Hours of Free Data
povo2.0 offers eligible Shinkansen e-ticket passengers three hours of free unlimited data through December 17. Prior Suica account linkage is required, with the bonus normally activated five to ten minutes after a gate tap.
Box office recovers while older series hold the streaming top 10
U.S. box office hit $7.64B through Sept. 20, up 18.8%, putting 2026 on track for its first $10B year since 2019. Five of Nielsen's top 10 streaming titles were 100-plus-episode library shows. Two Korea-linked musicals rank in Broadway's top 20, and Korea's August box office hit a 2026 high.
L.A. County sales tax tops 10%, widening the gap with its neighbors
L.A. County's base sales tax rises to 10.25% on Oct. 1 under Measure ER, raising $1 billion a year to offset Medi-Cal cuts. Lancaster and Palmdale hit 11.75%, 4 points above Orange County. CPA Yoon Joo-ho expects more cross-county shopping for big-ticket items; cars are taxed where registered.
How HelloWorks Is Building IP Business From Short Dramas to Raifai
HelloWorks is expanding from short dramas into original IP. CEO Koo Yong-nam discusses the entertainment-tech creative studio’s plans for classic Korean hero Raifai, a documentary on creator Kim San-ho, AI production and international distribution.
The Big Bang Theory comeback puts library strategy in the spotlight
The Big Bang Theory topped Nielsen’s US streaming chart with 1.14 billion minutes after a new spinoff launched. Its comeback shows why studios should plan new releases and library rights together—and why Korean IP owners should take notice.