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The Korean Film Council (KOFIC, Chair Han Sang-jun) participated in the launch ceremony of the "Barrier-Free Cultural Companionship" pilot program on March 16 at the Jinju Pyeonggeo Community Social Welfare Center, reaffirming its commitment to expanding cinema access for people with disabilities. Attendees included KOFIC's Center for Fair Growth Director Lee Eui-jun, Korea Deaf Association Deputy Director Yun Yo-seop, Media Center Naeil Secretary-General Jeong Hyeon-a, Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters Deputy Director Kim Se-hui, and Jinju West Senior Club Director Park Gi-sun.

"Barrier-Free Cultural Companionship" is a pilot program led by the Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute's Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters, with plans for nationwide expansion following the 2025 pilot phase. The program draws on the experience and skills of senior participants through the Jinju West Senior Club to support cultural activities for people with disabilities, with the goal of fostering an inclusive environment where disabled and non-disabled audiences can enjoy films together. Participants are involved in subtitle production and audio description monitoring and review for Gachibo Films — checking for errors in subtitles and audio descriptions, assessing the appropriateness of expressions, and contributing feedback throughout the production process.

KOFIC's Gachibo Film program provides Korean-language subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, and audio descriptions for the visually impaired, enabling disabled and non-disabled audiences to experience films together in the same space. As of 2025, 147 of 213 Korean films released theatrically were produced as Gachibo Films — meaning approximately 70% of domestic releases were made available in accessible versions — and 17 titles were screened through the Gachibo Film screening program. KOFIC continues to expand Gachibo Film production and screenings to broaden cinematic access for people with disabilities; an accessible version of The King's Warden, featuring Korean subtitles and audio description, is scheduled for production in April.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Center for Fair Growth Director Lee Eui-jun remarked: "Gachibo Film is a meaningful cultural initiative that creates shared experiences — allowing disabled and non-disabled audiences to watch films and be moved together, in the same time and place. I hope the Barrier-Free Cultural Companionship pilot will serve as a catalyst for connecting regions and generations, and for building a cultural environment where more people can enjoy films together."

KOFIC has stated its intention to continue expanding Gachibo Film production and screenings, working toward a film environment that is accessible to all without discrimination, and to pursue further collaborative initiatives aimed at improving cinema accessibility.

Program Overview: Barrier-Free Cultural Companionship Pilot

• Program name: Barrier-Free Cultural Companionship Pilot Program
• Objective: Supporting cultural participation for people with disabilities through senior skills and expertise; fostering an inclusive cultural environment
• Key activities: Gachibo Film subtitle production; audio description monitoring and review
• Lead organization: Korea Senior Human Resources Development Institute, Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters
• Partner organizations: Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Korea Deaf Association, Media Center Naeil, Jinju West Senior Club, and others