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South Korea Launches 2026 Popular Music Practical Masterclass to Train 40 New Industry Talent
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced a new training program aimed at producing field‑ready professionals for the Korean popular music sector. The 2026 Popular Music Practical Masterclass will run from Friday, July 10 to Monday, July 20, 2026, and will recruit 40 trainees. The program is organized by the Ministry, hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and operated by the Korea Independent Label Association (LIAK). The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Korea’s cultural export industry.
The masterclass combines four weeks of intensive, classroom‑based instruction with a five‑month internship at a partner company. Trainees will receive a stipend based on the 2026 minimum wage and will be covered by the four major social insurances during the internship period. The curriculum includes 60 lectures covering the full spectrum of the popular music business: industry fundamentals, artist management, A&R, music and performance production, digital distribution, IP and copyright, PR and viral marketing, global promotion, AI‑driven content creation, and contract negotiation.
An official said, "This is a course where participants can learn the overall popular music business, from A&R and distribution to performances, marketing, and global expansion, all at once, while gaining experience at actual companies," adding that the program is designed to attract applicants who are preparing for employment in the music industry. The training will also feature expert mentoring, portfolio production support, field learning, and networking opportunities. Laptops will be supplied to all participants.
After completing the classroom phase, trainees will be matched with one of more than 60 member companies of LIAK, which includes leading independent labels, distributors, and performance‑production firms. Upon finishing the internship, participants will receive a certificate of completion; outstanding trainees may earn awards and potential formal employment offers. The program’s application window closes on July 20, and further details can be found by searching “Popular Music Practical Masterclass” on the KOCCA KakaoTalk channel or the Plus Friend platform.
The masterclass reflects a growing trend in Korea to institutionalise practical training for music‑industry careers. By integrating academic instruction with on‑the‑ground experience, the Ministry and its partners aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that new talent is ready to contribute to Korea’s expanding cultural export economy.
The masterclass combines four weeks of intensive, classroom‑based instruction with a five‑month internship at a partner company. Trainees will receive a stipend based on the 2026 minimum wage and will be covered by the four major social insurances during the internship period. The curriculum includes 60 lectures covering the full spectrum of the popular music business: industry fundamentals, artist management, A&R, music and performance production, digital distribution, IP and copyright, PR and viral marketing, global promotion, AI‑driven content creation, and contract negotiation.
An official said, "This is a course where participants can learn the overall popular music business, from A&R and distribution to performances, marketing, and global expansion, all at once, while gaining experience at actual companies," adding that the program is designed to attract applicants who are preparing for employment in the music industry. The training will also feature expert mentoring, portfolio production support, field learning, and networking opportunities. Laptops will be supplied to all participants.
After completing the classroom phase, trainees will be matched with one of more than 60 member companies of LIAK, which includes leading independent labels, distributors, and performance‑production firms. Upon finishing the internship, participants will receive a certificate of completion; outstanding trainees may earn awards and potential formal employment offers. The program’s application window closes on July 20, and further details can be found by searching “Popular Music Practical Masterclass” on the KOCCA KakaoTalk channel or the Plus Friend platform.
The masterclass reflects a growing trend in Korea to institutionalise practical training for music‑industry careers. By integrating academic instruction with on‑the‑ground experience, the Ministry and its partners aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that new talent is ready to contribute to Korea’s expanding cultural export economy.
