During his state visit to France, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung wrapped up his schedule in the southern French arts town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and headed to Paris. On September 7 (local time), President Lee attended the international film and audiovisual summit, the 'Lumière Summit,' as a co-chair alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

At the summit, held at the Maeght Foundation, President Lee announced the launch of the 'Lumière Partnership,' a landmark bilateral investment and cooperation initiative aimed at bolstering the global film and content industries of both nations. Under this strategic partnership, South Korea and France have committed to investing 800 billion won and 500 million euros respectively—totaling approximately 1 billion euros—over the next five years. This substantial financial backing is designed to drive joint investments and co-productions, creating a robust stepping stone for local contents to successfully expand onto the global stage. 

In his opening remarks, President Lee addressed the structural crises facing the contemporary film industry, noting that the rise of online video streaming services (OTT platforms) and the proliferation of artificial intelligence pose significant threats to traditional theatrical viewing and creative environments. He emphasized that the Lumière Partnership will serve as a guiding light to turn these unprecedented challenges into opportunities, while committing South Korea to stand as a reliable partner for independent films and cultural diversity. 

Following the main session, President Lee engaged in a series of forward-looking events, including a film and audiovisual round table and a meeting with member companies of the Motion Picture Association (MPA) of America. Through these engagements, he underscored the South Korean government's strong commitment to supporting the worldwide penetration and sustainable growth of K-content. Furthermore, participants of the summit adopted the 'Lumière Summit Declaration,' pledging to safeguard the freedom of creation, reaffirm the intrinsic value of theater-going, and protect artistic diversity worldwide. 

Having successfully concluded his engagements in the French Riviera, President Lee departed for Paris to continue his state visit. In Paris, he is scheduled to hold a bilateral summit with President Macron to discuss deepening cooperation in cutting-edge high-tech industries, notably artificial intelligence and nuclear energy. Additionally, diplomatic observers anticipate that the two leaders will exchange crucial insights and potential solutions regarding geopolitical security concerns, such as the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz, further solidifying the comprehensive strategic partnership between Seoul and Paris.

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