South Korea’s Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) has reinstated a zero-registration policy for AI-assisted works, reversing a rule that had allowed songs made with machine help to be registered if a human was the primary creator. The change is live on the society’s website and again makes AI-assisted tracks ineligible for KOMCA royalties.
In April 2025, KOMCA confirmed a registration ban covering both AI-generated and AI-assisted works. Lee Si-ha became the society’s head in February 2026 and also chairs the K-Music Rights Organizations Mutual Growth Committee, which declared “war” on AI-powered music after forming.
Policy reversal#
The society later allowed registration of works created with AI assistance, provided a human was the primary creator. Members were required to voluntarily disclose machine assistance and to “retain materials that can verify the creative process and revision history.”
“For works created using AI, registration is possible only for songs where a human is the primary creator (where a human creates substantially and proactively, and AI is used only in an auxiliary role). 100% AI-generated works (simple prompt results) are excluded from registration.”
Political and commercial pressure#
The reversal follows an August 10 press conference by National Assembly Representative and singer Kim Jae-won, who criticized the rule change allowing registration of machine-assisted works. Kim also canceled a planned AI policy forum.
AI-assisted tracks have gained commercial traction in South Korea. YouTuber Joseon HipHop’s “Forest of the Heart” recently entered Melon’s Top 100 chart. That song, which the creator reportedly wrote before using Suno to generate vocals and other elements, is now ineligible for KOMCA royalties.
Some Seoul businesses are attempting to avoid public performance fees by playing only AI-generated audio. The practice is not limited to South Korea, and certain businesses may be more likely to adopt AI audio depending on fee structures.
Next steps#
KOMCA said it is working with government and industry stakeholders to establish clear registration standards, including defining what qualifies as a “primary creator.”
