South Korea reverses ban on AI-assisted music copyright
KOMCA scraps its “0% AI” rule for a disclosure-based system, with penalties for false declarations
Last March, the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) introduced a “0% AI” rule, requiring songwriters to certify their work contained no AI involvement at all to qualify for registration and royalties. That policy has now been reversed.
KOMCA's amended rules took effect Monday, August 3, allowing registration of AI-assisted songs where a human creator played a substantial and leading role in writing lyrics, composing, or arranging the work.
Music generated entirely through text prompts remains ineligible.
"The purpose of the revision is to formally recognise AI-assisted creative practices while safeguarding the rights of human creators," KOMCA said in a statement.
The association said the policy sets South Korea's first clear standard for registering AI-assisted music under existing copyright law.
Under the new system, creators registering AI-assisted work must name the AI tools used, explain how they were applied, and certify the accuracy of their disclosure. KOMCA can request supporting materials, including DAW project files, editing histories, and prompt records, to verify the extent of human authorship.
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Works later found to be fully AI-generated, or registered with false information, face suspended royalty payments, repayment of royalties already received, and termination of trust agreements.
For intentional misconduct, KOMCA plans to fine creators up to three times the improperly received amount.
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The change follows a similar move in the wider industry. On July 30, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) set out principles for when AI-assisted recordings can appear on its official charts.
Under this framework, a recording developed using AI qualifies only if it meets three criteria: the AI service used is properly authorised and lawful, the track is substantially human-made, and it raises no concerns over stream or chart manipulation.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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