Yu In-chon (, born March 20, 1951) is a South Korean actor and the current Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism under president Yoon Suk Yeol, the position which he previously held under president Lee Myung-bak. He was formerly the Special Presidential Adviser on Culture and Sports.

Early life and education

Yu In-chon was born in Wanju County, North Jeolla Province, South Korea in 1951. He graduated with the bachelor degree in theater and film from Chung-Ang University.

Acting career

Although Yu started his career as a TV actor, his fondness of play led him to found Yu Theater in the Gangnam area of Seoul, April 1999.

Political career

In 2004, he became the representative of the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture under the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which leads the city's cultural policy, thanks to his friendship with then-Mayor Lee Myung-bak. When the Live Music Camp incident occurred in 2005, at the time mayor of Seoul, Lee Myung-bak suggested that Hongdae concerts be regulated by authorities. At this time, Yu In-chon had a good understanding of the college culture, so he took Lee Myung-bak to the club 'Drug' and said, 'Oh! Brothers' rock performance together and defended the club culture, thanks to this, Lee Myung-bak, who was about to wipe out the clubs, changed his mind, and he dismissed it as saying he would not do it himself. He became Minister of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in the Lee Myung-bak administration in 2008. On July 21, 2011, President Lee nominated Yu In-chon as the Special Presidential Adviser on Culture and Sports. On July 6, 2023, Yoon Suk Yeol nominated Yu In-chon as the Special Presidential Adviser on Culture and Sports. On September 13, 2023, President Yoon nominated Yu In-chon as a candidate for Minister of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (2023–)

As part of the restructuring in early 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism closed the Korean Culture and Information Service, which had a history of more than 50 years, and established a dedicated office within the ministry. In addition, the ministry decided to gradually expand the role of King Sejong Institute, a Korean language learning institution.

Filmography

Films

TV dramas

Theater

Documentaries

Awards