Last updated on October 26, 2025
No, it is not allowed. Under South Korea’s Copyright Act, only works created by humans are recognized as eligible for copyright protection. The law defines a “work” as a creative production that expresses human thoughts and emotions, thereby excluding AI-generated content from registration with KOMCA.
Why AI Can’t Claim a Spot in South Korea’s Copyright Registry
In the age of generative algorithms and machine-made melodies, South Korea has taken a firm legal stance: if a song was created with the help of artificial intelligence, it cannot be registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA). This isn’t just a policy—it’s rooted in the nation’s copyright law itself.
The Copyright Act of South Korea, administered by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, lays out a clear definition of what qualifies as a “work.” According to Article 2 of the Act, a work must be “a creative production that expresses human thoughts and emotions.” That single phrase draws a bright legal line between human creativity and machine output.
The Legal Backbone: Copyright Act Article 2
The law doesn’t mince words. It defines an “author” as “a person who creates a work,” reinforcing that copyright protection is reserved for human creators. This means that even if AI contributes partially—say, by generating a chord progression or suggesting lyrics—the resulting song cannot be registered with KOMCA.
This interpretation has been confirmed by KOMCA’s own registration policies, which now require creators to declare that their submitted works are entirely human-made. The organization operates under the legal framework provided by the Copyright Act, and its policies are subject to oversight by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Why This Matters
The implications are significant. Copyright registration with KOMCA is essential for songwriters and composers who want to collect royalties and protect their intellectual property. Without registration, a song cannot be officially tracked, licensed, or monetized through the association’s system.
For creators using AI tools, this presents a dilemma: either avoid AI entirely or forgo registration. While some countries are exploring hybrid models that allow partial human authorship to qualify, South Korea’s law remains clear and conservative in its interpretation.
Looking Ahead
As AI technology continues to evolve, legal frameworks may adapt. But for now, South Korea’s Copyright Act stands as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only human-made works enter the realm of protected creativity. Until the law changes, AI-generated songs will remain outside the bounds of KOMCA’s registry.
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Sources
Copyright Act (Republic of Korea)
https://law.go.kr/LSW/lsInfoP.do?lsiSeq=192474&viewCls=engLsInfoR&urlMode=engLsInfoR
Ongoing