UAE-South Korea Strengthen Media And Technology Ties Ahead Of BRIDGE Summit 2025

The BRIDGE delegation recently visited Seoul, South Korea, as part of its Asia tour, which also included stops in Shanghai and Osaka. This tour is a precursor to the BRIDGE Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December. The summit aims to gather global media, cultural creators, and policymakers for discussions on creative content and international collaboration.

Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office and the UAE Media Council, led the delegation. Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, Director General of the National Media Office, accompanied him. From 4 to 6 August, they met with Korean companies specialising in media, digital industries, and content creation. These meetings aimed to forge partnerships that align with BRIDGE's mission of uniting global creative media experts.

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The delegation engaged with Kim Tae-kyun, First Deputy Mayor for Administration at Seoul Metropolitan Government. Abdullah Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to South Korea, was also present. Discussions focused on forming long-term partnerships to support BRIDGE's goal of advancing international solutions through expert collaboration in creative media industries.

In the realm of software and AI, Bruce S. Lee from I-ON Communications shared insights on unstructured data management and digital marketing trends in South Korea. His expertise is vital for BRIDGE's focus on data-driven storytelling and AI in global media. Similarly, John JungKyum Kim from Dentons discussed South Korea’s upcoming AI regulations and their potential for responsible innovation.

DK Kim, CEO of Lotte Caliverse, introduced an immersive 3D entertainment platform aimed at transforming virtual experiences for global audiences. This aligns with BRIDGE’s emphasis on digital transformation and experiential technologies in cultural exchange. Choi Jung-min from SM Entertainment highlighted entertainment's role in fostering cross-regional collaboration within media and digital culture.

Rancho Lee from SimSam Ventures discussed investment opportunities for creative startups. This positions them as a crucial partner for BRIDGE in promoting cross-border media innovation. Jake Lee from Math-presso provided insights into AI-driven education supported by global investors like Google. Their expertise aligns with BRIDGE’s focus on youth empowerment and technological advancements.

Legal Frameworks and Educational Insights

On August 6, discussions with legal experts like Ross Harman from Lee & Ko provided insights into South Korea’s regulatory environment for media and technology. His dual role advising government leaders offers a unique perspective that will shape legal discourse at BRIDGE.

In academia, Prof. Gul Hwang from Hongik University emphasised design and sustainability's importance in the digital age. His expertise will enrich BRIDGE’s conversations around creative innovation and education's role in advancing media solutions.

Media Freedom and Global Perspectives

Jeongho Nam from Korea Press Foundation (KPF) discussed media freedom and journalism's future in Asia with his colleagues Sonho Kim and Chaejoon Yoo. KPF's involvement ensures South Korea’s voice is represented as BRIDGE expands globally, amplifying Asian perspectives in media policymaking.

Reflecting on these discussions' significance, Abdulla Al Hamed stated: "The UAE is advancing its position as a global platform for media cooperation." He added that the summit embodies this vision by bringing together leaders to explore investment opportunities in creative economies.

The BRIDGE Summit will offer a platform for developing strategies that navigate evolving media landscapes responsibly. Korean institutions' participation will facilitate knowledge exchange and showcase technological innovations while exploring partnership prospects with Emirati institutions.

The ongoing BRIDGE initiative aims to position the UAE as a key player in global media ecosystems by supporting sectors like technology and entertainment. The 2025 Summit will unite leaders to explore transformative opportunities between the UAE, South Korea, and the global community.

With inputs from WAM