Culture Minister Yu In-chon says that not only does the media sector play an important role in the public sphere, but it is also becoming increasingly relevant as an industry.

The minister told a forum organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday that the media sector is turning into an industrial powerhouse in numerous foreign countries, explaining the global trends toward the industry's digitalization and fusion with other sectors.

Regarding the nation's plan to launch digital broadcasting services in 2012, the minister urged the importance of developing domestic content to prepare for fierce competition and the emergence of new media outlets.