"China has blocked most South Korean entertainment since 2016 under an unofficial ban that also restricts movies and the country's popular TV dramas. For some Chinese, that means flying to Seoul to see their favorite groups perform."
"The trigger for the entertainment ban was a South Korean decision to allow the United States to deploy an anti-missile system on its soil. What sets the ban apart is how long it has lasted, something analysts attribute to government concern about the massive popularity of Korean music and videos."
"From China's perspective, these actions go beyond symbolism. They are strategic tools to shape the international environment."
BTS's return to the stage after a three-year hiatus excludes China, a significant market due to an unofficial ban on South Korean entertainment since 2016. This ban, triggered by South Korea's decision to host a U.S. anti-missile system, reflects China's concerns over the popularity of Korean culture. While some K-pop groups with non-Korean members can perform in China, the overall restriction remains. Recent discussions about easing the ban coincide with efforts to improve South Korea-China relations, highlighting the strategic nature of China's economic pressures.
Read at Fortune
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