K-Pop Concerts in China on the Horizon? Government Pushes for Event, Music Industry on Alert

The South Korean government is reportedly pursuing the organization of K-pop concerts in China, sparking keen interest within the music industry regarding a potential easing of the unofficial ban on Korean cultural content.

According to industry sources on the 16th, major entertainment agencies including HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment recently received inquiries from the government concerning concerts in China scheduled for January. These inquiries reportedly focused on the availability of their artists' schedules in January rather than specific dates or venues.

The discussions surrounding K-pop concerts in China gained traction following the summit between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping last month. Representative Kim Young-bae of the Democratic Party of Korea shared on social media that during a banquet, a conversation about a large-scale performance in Beijing took place involving President Lee, President Xi, and Park Jin-young, co-chair of the Committee for Korea-China Cultural Exchange.

President Xi allegedly instructed his Foreign Minister Wang Yi regarding the matter. Representative Kim expressed optimism, stating this could be a moment that opens the door for the full-scale advancement of Korean culture beyond the lifting of the ban.

If a large-scale K-pop concert is realized in China next year, it would mark the first time in a decade. China had unofficially implemented a ban on Korean music, dramas, and films in 2016 in response to the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in South Korea, making performances by K-pop artists virtually impossible.

While there have been signs of a slight thawing, such as promotional pop-up stores not involving performances, the government's initiative for concerts is being closely watched as a potential signal for the full repeal of the ban.

However, caution is also advised within the industry. One music industry official commented, "Talk of lifting the ban has surfaced multiple times before. While expectations are high due to the government's involvement, the consensus in the industry is that concerts in China must be confirmed right up to the performance date."

Korean netizens are reacting positively, with comments like "Can we finally see K-pop stages in China?", "It's finally happening after 10 years... I'm moved," and "I'm even more excited because the government is pushing for it!"