TREASURE Cancels Shanghai Fan Meeting for Some Members Amidst Growing Korea-Japan Tensions

Group TREASURE is facing concern from fans after it was announced that some members will be unable to attend their upcoming fan signing event in Shanghai, China.

The event, scheduled for the 20th, was to celebrate the release of TREASURE's third mini-album, ‘LOVE PULSE’. However, members Yoshi, Asahi, and Haruto will not be participating.

Makestar, the agency organizing the event, issued an apology on their official social media, stating, "Due to unavoidable circumstances, some members will be unable to attend the event." They added, "Information regarding additional compensation measures will be provided via separate email."

The vague explanation of "unavoidable circumstances" has led to speculation among fans that the absence of members may be linked to the recent diplomatic tensions between China and Japan. The fact that Japanese members Asahi and Haruto, along with Yoshi (a fourth-generation Zainichi Korean), are all listed as absent has amplified these concerns.

This situation mirrors the sudden cancellation of LE SSERAFIM's fan meeting in Shanghai, raising fears that geopolitical issues are increasingly impacting the K-pop industry. LE SSERAFIM also has Japanese members, Sakura and Kazuha, leading to speculation that the worsening China-Japan relations may have influenced the decision to cancel their event.

Fans are expressing frustration and worry, commenting things like, "Why the sudden absence?", "Is it because of the Japanese members?", and "I hope it's not because of COVID-19." The lack of a clear reason for the cancellations has left many feeling unsettled.