AI-Assisted Music Gets A Place in Copyright System
Artificial intelligence is no longer an automatic barrier to music copyright registration in South Korea.
After previously rejecting any music created with AI assistance, the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) has introduced a new framework that accepts AI-assisted works, provided human creators played a substantial role in the creative process.
The revised registration standards took effect on 3 August 2026 after being approved by KOMCA's board on 28 July following months of legal reviews, internal discussions, studies of overseas approaches and assessments of technical verification methods.
The association said the policy is designed to recognise the growing use of AI in music production while ensuring that copyright management continues to reward genuine human creativity.
Where Does KOMCA Draw The Line
Under the new rules, songs created with AI tools can be registered if the applicant actively contributed to writing lyrics, composing, arranging or other creative aspects of the work.
Music generated entirely through simple AI prompts, often described as "one-click composing", remains ineligible for registration.
Applicants must explain exactly how AI was used, identify the tools involved, disclose the extent of AI participation and certify their own creative contributions.
They are also expected to retain records that can verify the creative process and revision history.
Supporting evidence may include digital audio workstation project files, MIDI files, sheet music, editing histories, draft lyrics, composition notes, prompts, AI generation logs, original AI outputs, final versions and collaboration records.
KOMCA said no single document is mandatory and registrations will not be judged solely on one type of evidence.
However, it may request additional materials or conduct technical reviews and internal examinations during or after registration if further verification is required.
Registration Does Not Automatically Guarantee Copyright
KOMCA stressed that registration itself is an administrative process rather than a legal ruling on copyright ownership under South Korean law.
Questions relating to copyright protection, royalty eligibility and other rights will continue to be assessed separately through later reviews.
The association said the framework is intended to help manage AI-assisted works rather than settle every legal question surrounding artificial intelligence and copyright.
Why The Policy Changed
KOMCA had maintained a strict policy since April 2025, allowing registration only for works created entirely by humans.
Applicants were required to certify that no AI had been used, while works later found to involve AI faced suspended royalty payments, removal from the registry and recovery of royalties.
The organisation had also indicated at the time that it could revisit the policy as AI tools evolved.
That reassessment gained urgency as AI music generators became increasingly common across songwriting, arrangement and vocal production.
Reports also emerged that South Korea's Board of Audit and Inspection examined 8,540 songs from 29 individuals and concluded that almost 61% of the sampled works were likely created with AI assistance.
The audit covered 11 copyright management organisations, although KOMCA questioned the accuracy of the AI detection technology used during the review.
False Claims Could Lead To Heavy Penalties
KOMCA warned that creators who falsely claim meaningful human authorship or attempt to register entirely AI-generated works could face serious consequences.
The association said,
"If false reporting, etc. is confirmed, measures such as suspension of royalty payments, recovery of improperly received amounts, disciplinary action under the Articles of Association, or termination of the trust agreement may be taken in accordance with relevant regulations and terms."
The organisation also plans to revise its terms to introduce contractual penalties of up to three times the amount of improperly received royalties in cases involving intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
Human Creativity Remains The Priority
KOMCA Chairman Lee Si-ha described the revised policy as an early stage in adapting copyright management to the AI era rather than a complete solution.
Lee said,
"This revision is not intended to provide all the answers to the challenges posed by AI-generated music. It is the first step toward managing a changing creative landscape within an institutional framework.
We will build a trustworthy management system that ensures members who create their works honestly are not disadvantaged and that their rights are protected in proportion to their creative contributions."
He has also repeatedly maintained that AI should remain a creative tool rather than the creator itself, saying,
"The true value of creation lies in the human."
Balancing Innovation Without Creating New Loopholes
Coinlive believes KOMCA's new framework acknowledges the reality that AI has become part of modern music production, but proving meaningful human contribution may become the hardest challenge.
The policy creates a path for AI-assisted creativity, yet its long-term credibility will depend on whether verification methods can stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated AI tools and prevent abuse without discouraging genuine creators.
Anais
Weatherly