Arirang Culture Connect Special Report
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With the re-inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2025, the 'Trump 2.0' era has officially begun. His economic policy, ‘Maganomics’, is centered on tax cuts, deregulation, and job creation, while simultaneously emphasizing stronger protectionism and 'America First' policies.
In particular, a 'universal tariff' policy imposing at least a 10% tariff on all imports is expected, along with a 60% tariff on Chinese products. There is also a possibility of a 100% tariff on automobiles manufactured outside the United States. These measures are likely to have a significant impact on global supply chains and the economic structures of many countries.
To respond to these policy changes, various nations are exploring strategies to mitigate trade friction, resolve trade imbalances, and diversify supply chains. The cultural sector is also seeking new opportunities by strengthening international cooperation and expanding global cultural networks based on intangible cultural heritage.
Response Strategies of Various Countries in the Trump 2.0 Era
Key Policy Changes
The Trump 2.0 era is characterized by a shift in U.S. foreign and economic policies from 'Bidenomics' to 'Maganomics,' which is expected to reinforce tariffs and import regulations while prioritizing American interests. Additionally, environmental regulations are expected to be eased, and strategic decoupling between the U.S. and China will likely intensify, bringing substantial changes to global supply chains.
Response Strategies of Different Countries
South Korea is expanding its imports of U.S. LNG, reinforcing the Korea-U.S. alliance, and diversifying global supply chains in response to U.S. trade policy adjustments. China is strengthening its domestic industrial and technological competitiveness while seeking new trade partnerships. Europe is pursuing stable economic growth strategies and sustainable industrial policies, while Canada is promoting economic growth through immigration policies and expanding infrastructure and industrial investments.
Economic Impact
The new policies of the Trump administration are likely to reshape global logistics markets and supply chains. As a result, manufacturers will need to reassess their export and supply chain strategies, and national governments must formulate response measures accordingly.
South Korea's Cultural Sector Response: Strengthening Global Networks and Digital Expansion
The protectionist policies of the Trump 2.0 era are expected to have a direct impact on the cultural industry. In response, South Korea's cultural sector is working to expand international cultural exchange based on intangible cultural heritage while actively utilizing digital platforms to explore new markets.
Culture Masters' Global Cultural Strategy
Culture Masters is turning these changes into opportunities by strengthening global cultural networks through various cultural projects, including the World Intangible Heritage Festival & Contest (WIN).
WIN: The Hub of Global Cultural Exchange
Culture Masters plans to host the World Intangible Heritage Festival & Contest (WIN) for ten days from October 9 to October 18, 2026. This event will bring together intangible heritage practitioners, artists, and cultural stakeholders from around the world, providing a creative platform for the fusion of tradition and modernity.
This festival is designed with three main objectives: the protection and transmission of intangible heritage, the development of the cultural content industry, and the expansion of global networks. The event will feature collaborations between traditional music and K-pop, the integration of traditional crafts with digital technologies such as NFTs and AI, and creative performances combining media art with traditional dance. Additionally, there will be exchange programs for intangible heritage practitioners and artists from different countries, as well as an international cultural business forum linked to urban regeneration projects based on intangible heritage. To ensure sustainability, the festival will strengthen collaborations with UNESCO and international organizations, attract global sponsors and partnerships, and engage with national governments and private organizations for joint projects.
Culture Masters' Four Global Strategies
I. Promoting Cultural Diversity: A Global Cultural Connector
Culture Masters emphasizes cultural diversity and inclusivity while expanding cooperation with the global intangible heritage community. It supports and protects intangible heritage artists through the Arirang Master Designation Program, provides digital competency and leadership education through CM Global Academy, and disseminates global intangible heritage news via the Arirang Culture Connect digital platform.
II. Utilizing Digital Platforms: Expanding Cultural Content Globally
Culture Masters maximizes accessibility and expansion of cultural content through digital technology. It operates the global online news platform Arirang Culture Connect, provides online education programs through CM Global Academy, and promotes digital exhibitions and media art projects integrating traditional arts with advanced technology.
III. Strengthening Social Responsibility: Sustainable Development and Intangible Heritage Protection
Culture Masters operates global cultural projects with a corporate philosophy rooted in social responsibility and sustainable development. It supports intangible heritage practitioners, initiates heritage transmission projects, and designs cultural regeneration initiatives to contribute to community development. Moreover, it is working on establishing a fair certification system for intangible heritage to ensure long-term protection.
IV. Building Global Cooperation Networks: Cultural Diplomacy and Creative Industry Development
Culture Masters operates an International Advisory Board (IAB) with members from 15 countries and collaborates with cultural experts worldwide to function as a hub for creative industries and cultural diplomacy. It works with UNESCO and international organizations to establish policies for the protection and development of intangible heritage, cooperates with businesses and governments to create cultural CSR projects and sponsorship networks, and actively engages in multinational cultural projects to facilitate global intangible heritage transmission and cultural exchange.
Conclusion: New Opportunities for Cultural Diplomacy in the Trump 2.0 Era
The Maganomics policies of the Trump 2.0 era present both challenges and opportunities for the global economic order. In this changing environment, Culture Masters is reinforcing global cultural exchange through the World Intangible Heritage Festival & Contest (WIN) and pioneering new strategies that link cultural diplomacy, creative industries, and sustainable development.
As a central player in the global cultural network, Culture Masters is committed to presenting a shared vision for the future of culture worldwide.
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