China is showing signs of relaxing its unofficial ban on South Korean cultural imports. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 26 (Korea Bizwire) – In what appears to be a calculated diplomatic gesture, China is showing signs of relaxing its unofficial ban on South Korean cultural imports, amid growing pressure from the United States and a desire to improve relations with its East Asian neighbor.
The shift becomes apparent as high-profile K-pop girl groups make their way back to Chinese venues, while acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho’s latest film “Mickey 17″ screens in theaters across China. The South China Morning Post reported on March 25 that Beijing is extending an olive branch to Seoul through increased cultural exchanges and tourism opportunities.
In a significant development, the girl group IVE held a fan meeting in Shanghai on March 20, entertaining approximately 200 fans. This followed a similar event by TWICE in Shanghai last month, marking the group’s first mainland China appearance in over nine years. TWICE’s return is particularly noteworthy, as the group had been effectively barred from Chinese activities since 2016, when member Tzuyu faced intense backlash from Chinese netizens for displaying Taiwan’s flag on a Korean television show.
The cultural détente extends beyond music. Bong Joon-ho’s “Mickey 17″ began screening nationwide in China on March 7, further suggesting a softening of the informal restrictions known as the Korean Wave ban that China imposed in 2016. These restrictions were initially implemented in response to South Korea’s deployment of a THAAD missile defense system.
“The Chinese government is orchestrating these recent cultural exchange initiatives,” said Zhou Xiaolei, a professor at Beijing Foreign Language University, in an interview with SCMP. “China is seeking to improve relations with South Korea, a crucial neighbor and U.S. ally, before Trump can exert additional pressure on China.”
However, Zhou noted that China is likely to proceed cautiously, taking into account South Korea’s current political instability amid impeachment proceedings. “China is sending goodwill signals while monitoring how South Korea’s political landscape evolves,” he said. “It’s a prudent strategy to keep diplomatic options open, regardless of which new administration takes power in Seoul.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
