We are sharing the July 2025 issue of Cultural Action's issue briefing, "An Issue Briefing for Activists Imagining a Cultural Society in a Changing Political Situation“
This issue explores the direction and limitations of the Lee Jae-myung administration's sports policy since its inauguration, as well as critical reflections and alternative proposals.
Opening Remarks
Since Yoon Seok-yeol's martial law declaration was blocked by citizens who gathered in the streets last December, an early presidential election was held. The Cultural Action also announced 10 cultural policy proposals for the 21st presidential election, specifically proposing "improving the quality of life based on recreational sports" as a sports policy agenda.
The Lee Jae-myung administration took office in June of this year amidst expectations of significant change. However, even with the new administration, significant improvements have not been seen in the sports sector. Sports policy remains elite-centered and closely linked to regional developmentalism rather than degrowth.
The Cultural Action, Alternative Sports Association prepared this issue to examine the Lee Jae-myung administration's sports policies and develop alternatives.
The first article, "True Korean Sports Begins Next Time - A Critique of the Lee Jae-myung Administration's Sports Policy Through Presidential Election Pledges," written by Eun-ju Ham, an executive member of the Cultural Action, criticizes the sports policies presented in the Lee Jae-myung administration's manifesto, arguing that they contain nothing new and are dominated by unoriginal policies centered on professional sports.
Executive member Dae-taek Lee argues in "Sports Policy Desired from the Lee Jae-myung Administration" that the focus should be broadened from "athletics" to "sports.“
Next week, Dr. Jeong-hwan Kim's "Proposal for the Right to Sports as a Constitutional Right (Part 1)" argues for a constitutional amendment to explicitly state the "right to sports" as a fundamental right. Activist Lee-hyeon Park will argue that while the "Future Sports Policy Proposal" released by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee ahead of the presidential election in May carries the slogan "No Future Without Sports," these proposals remain focused on elite sports, and that without equality, neither sports nor a future exist.
This is a long-awaited return to this stirring issue. Thank you for your interest!
Table of Contents
① Real Korean Sports Begins Next — A Critique of the Lee Jae-myung Administration's Sports Policy Based on Presidential Election Promises | Eun-ju Ham, Alternative Sports Association of the Cultural Action
② Sports Policies Desired from the Lee Jae-myung Administration | Dae-taek Lee, Alternative Sports Association of the Cultural Action
③ Proposal for Sports Rights as a Constitutional Right (Part 1) | Jeong-hwan Kim, Ph.D. in Law
④ No Sports, No Future? No Equality, No Future, No Sports! — A Critique of the KSOC’s Proposal for Future Sports Policies | Ian Bahc, Alternative Sports Association of the Cultural Action
The Real Future of Korean Sports
— A Criticism of the Lee Jae-myung Administration's Sports Policy Through Presidential Election Pledges
Eun-ju Ham | Executive Committee Member, Cultural Action, Alternative Sports Association
Will sports policy change with a change in government? The public argues that inconsistent policies have been implemented, driven by forces exploiting sports, with each change in government, and that a consistent sports policy centered on the public, athletes, coaches, and the field is needed. Furthermore, there seems to be a common belief that "leftist governments have no interest in sports.“
However, this is a grave misunderstanding. Korea's sports policy is a set policy, repeatedly decided and implemented based on precedent. Since the 1980s, the KSOC has consistently focused on improving athletic performance, supporting international sports exchanges, and enhancing national sports competitiveness, all with the goal of promoting the nation and enhancing national prestige. Since the Comprehensive Sports Promotion Plan was first established in the 1990s, policies and projects have varied only in wording, never deviating from the scope of "promoting recreational sports, strengthening professional sports and national competitiveness, enhancing international exchange capabilities, revitalizing school sports, innovating the sports administration system, and promoting the sports industry" or the paradigm of enhancing national prestige.
The <First Basic Plan for Sports Promotion> announced by the previous administration was no different. The five key strategies, "Enhancing National Health and Regional Vitality through Sports / Top-tier Athletic Performance, Stable Lives / Growing Together: Professional Sports / New National Growth Engine, K-Sports, Global Leader in Sportsmanship, Korea," ultimately consisted of "Support for recreational sports / Support for professional sports and the welfare of athletes / Promoting sports clubs and school sports / Strengthening national competitiveness and supporting the sports industry.“
△ First Basic Plan for Sports Implementation
Regardless of progressive or conservative ideology, the sports policies of all governments to date have not achieved a paradigm shift, let alone implemented any reform or innovation, despite the extensive history of deep-rooted evils, incidents, and accidents. Therefore, the prevailing view is misleading and incorrect.
Nevertheless, there has always been a sense of anticipation with every change in administration. While no sports-related pledges were mentioned during the election, there were promises to promote a basic society that guarantees the basic livelihood of all citizens, and the introduction of the 4.5-day workweek. I believed that the time and environment for everyone to enjoy sports had arrived, and this time proved no different.
The sports policy pledges of presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, who emphasized well-being and basic society throughout the election period, include revitalizing school sports (strengthening school sports clubs, increasing the number of physical education teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools, and expanding training programs), supporting health experience activities for children and adolescents, continuously securing and supporting facility adjustments for sports facilities closely related to daily life under the 'Sports Culture Rights for Everyone to Enjoy', supporting securing the right to health for the elderly, revitalizing school sports, supporting sports activities centered on local communities, strengthening the welfare of professional athletes, creating jobs, supporting the establishment of private professional teams under the 'National Support System for Sports Talent Development', strengthening the transparency and independence of sports organizations, creating an environment for public-private support for discovering sports talents, improving the legal system to strengthen support for sports organizations for the disabled and e-sports, expanding support for local cultural and sports facilities under the 'Creating a Local Living Cultural Environment', issuing cultural Onnuri gift certificates specialized for admission to cultural and sports products under the 'Expanding the Right to Enjoy Culture for the People', and 'National Support for Hosting the 2036 Jeonju Olympics' and 'Busan The regional pledge to "make this an e-sports mecca" and the addition of "infrastructure expansion" for fishing enthusiasts through social media are merely examples. While the government touts policies to promote school sports and foster and revitalize sports clubs as part of a sports policy for all, they ultimately cite school sports and recreational sports as the foundation for the development of professional sports. However, school sports and recreational sports are essential to everyone's basic well-being and a prerequisite for a happy life, and they are crucial educational and cultural systems. Contributions to professional sports are merely a side effect of the promotion of school and recreational sports. School and recreational sports policies presented from this perspective fail to guarantee everyone's right to enjoy sports.
The sports policies presented in the pledges are consistent policies and projects implemented since the previous administration, offering nothing new and predominantly unoriginal policies focused on professional sports. There are no policies that can realize the fundamental right to sports for all citizens. At the very least, it's difficult to see the sports policy pledges embodying the philosophy and governance values espoused by President Lee Jae-myung.
I believe that realizing the values of equality, human rights, welfare, and protection of the vulnerable, and attempting to change and improve the existing system, is clearly the spirit of progress and the values that the Lee Jae-myung administration, which aims to become a "president for all," seeks to realize. Especially in this era of fundamental change and the formation of a new order in social structures, economic systems, technology, and climate change, a shift in sports policy is a natural demand. Yet, President Lee Jae-myung's sports policy pledges are completely devoid of such efforts and demands. The demands of the field aren't confined to professional sports. They also include the demands of the silent majority of ordinary citizens, as well as the latent demands of the times and socio-cultural demands.
Please stop trying to simply implement your sports policy pledges. I urge you to recognize the demands of the quiet citizens and the demands of the times and socio-cultural demands and to develop a transformative sports policy. True Korean sports begin not now, but afterward.
Sports Policy Desired from the Lee Jae-myung Administration
Lee Dae-taek (Cultural Action, Alternative Sports Association)
A Sports Policy That Hasn't Budged from "Sports“
The "National Sports Promotion Act" was enacted in September 1962 during the "Supreme Council for National Reconstruction," a year before Park Chung-hee's Third Republic began in December 1963. That's over 60 years from now. Park Chung-hee truly masterfully built and utilized sports. Perhaps that's why the National Sports Promotion Act remains so powerful. This power stems from the law itself, but more precisely, from our lazy assumption that all we know about sports is comprised solely of what we've seen and experienced. The word "sports" remains ingrained in our minds, remaining effective. Perhaps that's why our nation's sports policy remains stuck in the past, unable to escape the 60-year legacy. Therefore, I'd like to offer a proposal along with my argument. The Lee Jae-myung administration's sports policy must broaden its perspective beyond the "sports" defined in the National Sports Promotion Act. This has already been the case, but now is the time to move beyond "sports" to "sports.“
Sports Are Already Abundant, Yet Not Enough
Everyone is aware of the social phenomenon of sports. Professional baseball and Son Heung-min are a given, and golf, tennis, marathons, and park golf are all living organisms. No one can predict how those participating in sports will change and evolve in the future. Furthermore, this movement is completely unrelated to traditional national sports promotion efforts. Their cultural and industrial tastes and demands are immeasurable. Our society is truly overflowing with sports. However, whether they are aware of this or not, whether they are feigning ignorance, whether they are simply inaction or simply overwhelmed by the thought, the government is unable to adapt to this era of sports. However, it is clear that it cannot be avoided forever.
It's time to expand from "physical education" to "sports.“
To put it simply, we need to untangle the concept of "sports" and broaden our perspective and scope to encompass the realm of "sports." As a starting point, for example, the "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism" could be renamed the "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism." If necessary, policies should be implemented that better reflect the term "sports" rather than "sports." The target and goals of policies should shift beyond simply "sports promotion" to encompass all aspects of "sports." This applies to sports addressing the climate crisis, to sports facilities and infrastructure essential for urban development, and to considering the benefits that online sports participants can derive. Sports participation should be linked to healthcare, and physical education classes in schools should be considered important. Can we stop there?
Time to articulate the nation's responsibility for sports.
In 2019, the "Basic Sports Act" was enacted and the "National Sports Policy Committee" was established following the recommendations of the Sports Innovation Committee. These events shed the existing concept of "sports" and presented a new direction and space. The establishment of new laws and governance was an effort to guarantee citizens' sports rights, which were currently tied to the "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism-Korea Sports Council-Provincial Sports Councils and Sports Organizations." Unfortunately, the Yoon administration has once again regressed to the Park Chung-hee era, and even the current Lee Jae-myung administration appears oblivious to this. If the current situation continues, sports, both present and future, will have to wait for a later time. If the president wants to be a successful president who can find a future for sports, I urge him to consider this.
We are sharing the July 2025 issue of Cultural Action's issue briefing, "An Issue Briefing for Activists Imagining a Cultural Society in a Changing Political Situation“
This issue explores the direction and limitations of the Lee Jae-myung administration's sports policy since its inauguration, as well as critical reflections and alternative proposals.
Opening Remarks
Since Yoon Seok-yeol's martial law declaration was blocked by citizens who gathered in the streets last December, an early presidential election was held. The Cultural Action also announced 10 cultural policy proposals for the 21st presidential election, specifically proposing "improving the quality of life based on recreational sports" as a sports policy agenda.
The Lee Jae-myung administration took office in June of this year amidst expectations of significant change. However, even with the new administration, significant improvements have not been seen in the sports sector. Sports policy remains elite-centered and closely linked to regional developmentalism rather than degrowth.
The Cultural Action, Alternative Sports Association prepared this issue to examine the Lee Jae-myung administration's sports policies and develop alternatives.
The first article, "True Korean Sports Begins Next Time - A Critique of the Lee Jae-myung Administration's Sports Policy Through Presidential Election Pledges," written by Eun-ju Ham, an executive member of the Cultural Action, criticizes the sports policies presented in the Lee Jae-myung administration's manifesto, arguing that they contain nothing new and are dominated by unoriginal policies centered on professional sports.
Executive member Dae-taek Lee argues in "Sports Policy Desired from the Lee Jae-myung Administration" that the focus should be broadened from "athletics" to "sports.“
Next week, Dr. Jeong-hwan Kim's "Proposal for the Right to Sports as a Constitutional Right (Part 1)" argues for a constitutional amendment to explicitly state the "right to sports" as a fundamental right. Activist Lee-hyeon Park will argue that while the "Future Sports Policy Proposal" released by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee ahead of the presidential election in May carries the slogan "No Future Without Sports," these proposals remain focused on elite sports, and that without equality, neither sports nor a future exist.
This is a long-awaited return to this stirring issue. Thank you for your interest!
Table of Contents
① Real Korean Sports Begins Next — A Critique of the Lee Jae-myung Administration's Sports Policy Based on Presidential Election Promises | Eun-ju Ham, Alternative Sports Association of the Cultural Action
② Sports Policies Desired from the Lee Jae-myung Administration | Dae-taek Lee, Alternative Sports Association of the Cultural Action
③ Proposal for Sports Rights as a Constitutional Right (Part 1) | Jeong-hwan Kim, Ph.D. in Law
④ No Sports, No Future? No Equality, No Future, No Sports! — A Critique of the KSOC’s Proposal for Future Sports Policies | Ian Bahc, Alternative Sports Association of the Cultural Action
The Real Future of Korean Sports
— A Criticism of the Lee Jae-myung Administration's Sports Policy Through Presidential Election Pledges
Eun-ju Ham | Executive Committee Member, Cultural Action, Alternative Sports Association
Will sports policy change with a change in government? The public argues that inconsistent policies have been implemented, driven by forces exploiting sports, with each change in government, and that a consistent sports policy centered on the public, athletes, coaches, and the field is needed. Furthermore, there seems to be a common belief that "leftist governments have no interest in sports.“
However, this is a grave misunderstanding. Korea's sports policy is a set policy, repeatedly decided and implemented based on precedent. Since the 1980s, the KSOC has consistently focused on improving athletic performance, supporting international sports exchanges, and enhancing national sports competitiveness, all with the goal of promoting the nation and enhancing national prestige. Since the Comprehensive Sports Promotion Plan was first established in the 1990s, policies and projects have varied only in wording, never deviating from the scope of "promoting recreational sports, strengthening professional sports and national competitiveness, enhancing international exchange capabilities, revitalizing school sports, innovating the sports administration system, and promoting the sports industry" or the paradigm of enhancing national prestige.
The <First Basic Plan for Sports Promotion> announced by the previous administration was no different. The five key strategies, "Enhancing National Health and Regional Vitality through Sports / Top-tier Athletic Performance, Stable Lives / Growing Together: Professional Sports / New National Growth Engine, K-Sports, Global Leader in Sportsmanship, Korea," ultimately consisted of "Support for recreational sports / Support for professional sports and the welfare of athletes / Promoting sports clubs and school sports / Strengthening national competitiveness and supporting the sports industry.“
△ First Basic Plan for Sports Implementation
Regardless of progressive or conservative ideology, the sports policies of all governments to date have not achieved a paradigm shift, let alone implemented any reform or innovation, despite the extensive history of deep-rooted evils, incidents, and accidents. Therefore, the prevailing view is misleading and incorrect.
Nevertheless, there has always been a sense of anticipation with every change in administration. While no sports-related pledges were mentioned during the election, there were promises to promote a basic society that guarantees the basic livelihood of all citizens, and the introduction of the 4.5-day workweek. I believed that the time and environment for everyone to enjoy sports had arrived, and this time proved no different.
The sports policy pledges of presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, who emphasized well-being and basic society throughout the election period, include revitalizing school sports (strengthening school sports clubs, increasing the number of physical education teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools, and expanding training programs), supporting health experience activities for children and adolescents, continuously securing and supporting facility adjustments for sports facilities closely related to daily life under the 'Sports Culture Rights for Everyone to Enjoy', supporting securing the right to health for the elderly, revitalizing school sports, supporting sports activities centered on local communities, strengthening the welfare of professional athletes, creating jobs, supporting the establishment of private professional teams under the 'National Support System for Sports Talent Development', strengthening the transparency and independence of sports organizations, creating an environment for public-private support for discovering sports talents, improving the legal system to strengthen support for sports organizations for the disabled and e-sports, expanding support for local cultural and sports facilities under the 'Creating a Local Living Cultural Environment', issuing cultural Onnuri gift certificates specialized for admission to cultural and sports products under the 'Expanding the Right to Enjoy Culture for the People', and 'National Support for Hosting the 2036 Jeonju Olympics' and 'Busan The regional pledge to "make this an e-sports mecca" and the addition of "infrastructure expansion" for fishing enthusiasts through social media are merely examples. While the government touts policies to promote school sports and foster and revitalize sports clubs as part of a sports policy for all, they ultimately cite school sports and recreational sports as the foundation for the development of professional sports. However, school sports and recreational sports are essential to everyone's basic well-being and a prerequisite for a happy life, and they are crucial educational and cultural systems. Contributions to professional sports are merely a side effect of the promotion of school and recreational sports. School and recreational sports policies presented from this perspective fail to guarantee everyone's right to enjoy sports.
The sports policies presented in the pledges are consistent policies and projects implemented since the previous administration, offering nothing new and predominantly unoriginal policies focused on professional sports. There are no policies that can realize the fundamental right to sports for all citizens. At the very least, it's difficult to see the sports policy pledges embodying the philosophy and governance values espoused by President Lee Jae-myung.
I believe that realizing the values of equality, human rights, welfare, and protection of the vulnerable, and attempting to change and improve the existing system, is clearly the spirit of progress and the values that the Lee Jae-myung administration, which aims to become a "president for all," seeks to realize. Especially in this era of fundamental change and the formation of a new order in social structures, economic systems, technology, and climate change, a shift in sports policy is a natural demand. Yet, President Lee Jae-myung's sports policy pledges are completely devoid of such efforts and demands. The demands of the field aren't confined to professional sports. They also include the demands of the silent majority of ordinary citizens, as well as the latent demands of the times and socio-cultural demands.
Please stop trying to simply implement your sports policy pledges. I urge you to recognize the demands of the quiet citizens and the demands of the times and socio-cultural demands and to develop a transformative sports policy. True Korean sports begin not now, but afterward.
Sports Policy Desired from the Lee Jae-myung Administration
Lee Dae-taek (Cultural Action, Alternative Sports Association)
A Sports Policy That Hasn't Budged from "Sports“
The "National Sports Promotion Act" was enacted in September 1962 during the "Supreme Council for National Reconstruction," a year before Park Chung-hee's Third Republic began in December 1963. That's over 60 years from now. Park Chung-hee truly masterfully built and utilized sports. Perhaps that's why the National Sports Promotion Act remains so powerful. This power stems from the law itself, but more precisely, from our lazy assumption that all we know about sports is comprised solely of what we've seen and experienced. The word "sports" remains ingrained in our minds, remaining effective. Perhaps that's why our nation's sports policy remains stuck in the past, unable to escape the 60-year legacy. Therefore, I'd like to offer a proposal along with my argument. The Lee Jae-myung administration's sports policy must broaden its perspective beyond the "sports" defined in the National Sports Promotion Act. This has already been the case, but now is the time to move beyond "sports" to "sports.“
Sports Are Already Abundant, Yet Not Enough
Everyone is aware of the social phenomenon of sports. Professional baseball and Son Heung-min are a given, and golf, tennis, marathons, and park golf are all living organisms. No one can predict how those participating in sports will change and evolve in the future. Furthermore, this movement is completely unrelated to traditional national sports promotion efforts. Their cultural and industrial tastes and demands are immeasurable. Our society is truly overflowing with sports. However, whether they are aware of this or not, whether they are feigning ignorance, whether they are simply inaction or simply overwhelmed by the thought, the government is unable to adapt to this era of sports. However, it is clear that it cannot be avoided forever.
It's time to expand from "physical education" to "sports.“
To put it simply, we need to untangle the concept of "sports" and broaden our perspective and scope to encompass the realm of "sports." As a starting point, for example, the "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism" could be renamed the "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism." If necessary, policies should be implemented that better reflect the term "sports" rather than "sports." The target and goals of policies should shift beyond simply "sports promotion" to encompass all aspects of "sports." This applies to sports addressing the climate crisis, to sports facilities and infrastructure essential for urban development, and to considering the benefits that online sports participants can derive. Sports participation should be linked to healthcare, and physical education classes in schools should be considered important. Can we stop there?
Time to articulate the nation's responsibility for sports.
In 2019, the "Basic Sports Act" was enacted and the "National Sports Policy Committee" was established following the recommendations of the Sports Innovation Committee. These events shed the existing concept of "sports" and presented a new direction and space. The establishment of new laws and governance was an effort to guarantee citizens' sports rights, which were currently tied to the "Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism-Korea Sports Council-Provincial Sports Councils and Sports Organizations." Unfortunately, the Yoon administration has once again regressed to the Park Chung-hee era, and even the current Lee Jae-myung administration appears oblivious to this. If the current situation continues, sports, both present and future, will have to wait for a later time. If the president wants to be a successful president who can find a future for sports, I urge him to consider this.