His pledges include enhancing transparency and doubling copyright royalties.
He aims to push for the development of the association over the next four years.
[TV Daily Reporter Lee Gi-eun] Ishia from the rock band The Cross has been elected as the new chairman of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KMC). On December 16, the election results showed that he secured 472 out of 787 total votes, defeating fellow candidate Kim Hyung-seok. His term will officially begin in 2026 and last for four years.
Immediately after his election announcement, Ishia expressed his gratitude to his competitor and pledged, “I will keep my promises,” emphasizing his commitment to the development of the association. His campaign highlighted reforms aimed at increasing transparency and doubling copyright royalties, garnering considerable attention.
As the lead vocalist of The Cross, Ishia has known success with songs like 'Don't Cry' and 'For You,' and he also serves as an adjunct professor in distribution and logistics management at Sejong University.
Ishia's election as chairman of KMC marks a pivotal moment for the management of music copyrights in Korea. His commitments to increasing transparency and doubling copyright royalties not only resonate with established artists but also promise to address longstanding issues within the industry. This focus on fair distribution of royalties will be particularly crucial for artists striving for equitable compensation for their work.
The Cross has played a substantial role in shaping Ishia’s musical identity, with the distinctive vocal style and songwriting skills he brings to the table. As chairman, his background may facilitate a platform for artists within the association to voice their concerns and engage in discussions about reforms. This could ultimately lead to a more collaborative atmosphere that seeks to improve conditions for all members of the industry.
Finally, Ishia’s tenure represents more than just an individual ascent; it could redefine the future of copyright management in Korea. The coming four years will be critical as he articulates and implements specific strategies to enhance the state of music copyrights, capturing the attention of both artists and fans alike.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
