Currently, nearly 80 percent of movie screens nationwide are controlled by multiplexes run by two conglomerates -- CJ and Lotte Group. The market dominance has unfairly allowed one particular movie, often a big-budget flick or a Hollywood blockbuster, to take up the majority of local cinema screens, leaving little chance for the cinematic debuts of indie films or other works by smaller production and distribution firms.

"From what I have studied so far, a ceiling on cinema screens of 40, 50 or 60 percent was found to have a certain level of effect (in bringing in) diversity (in the cinema market)," Park said.

"But optimal measures should be found because a (government) policy could lead to side effects," he noted.

The minister also hinted at an envisioned increase in government assistance to the creators of independent and art films.

"In terms of economics, (the hardship faced by) indie and art films is largely attributable to market failure. (They) can barely make it without government assistance throughout the process of production, screening and overseas penetration," he said.

The government needs to further expand its 9 billion won ($7.7 million) budget for bolstering indie films, he added.

Asked about his goal for his term as culture minister, Park said, "Sketching out how our cinema industry financed with small capital would respond to global changes is my goal." (Yonhap)