Fans of global K-pop stars BTS look around the group’s pop-up store, House of BTS, in Seoul’s posh district of Gangnam on Oct. 20, 2019. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — One of China’s top logistics firms announced a plan to stop delivering K-pop sensation BTS-related goods, stirring up controversy both in South Korea and in China.
On Monday, Chinese logistics firm Yunda Express stated on its Weibo account, “There are many inquiries with respect to the delivery of BTS goods. At present, we have stopped delivering BTS goods.”
Without elaborating on the reason for such a decision, Yundai Express simply stated, “The reasons are known to all.”
This move can be seen as a part of the Chinese backlash over BTS leader RM’s recent remarks honoring those sacrificed during the Korean War.
Chinese BTS fans who have purchased Korean-made BTS goods through overseas direct purchases have voiced strong opposition to this decision.
“Yunda Express is acting high-handedly even in a situation where Chinese customs allows normal customs clearance for BTS goods. China’s BTS fans have no option but to use other logistics firms when purchasing BTS goods.” a Chinese BTS fan complained.
In contrast, some Chinese netizens are praising Yunda Express’ decision as a patriotic move. At present, the company ranks high on the Weibo Hot Issue rankings, drawing huge attention from Chinese netizens.
After stirring up controversy, Yunda Express deleted the post on its Weibo account without releasing an official statement.
In the meantime, some BTS fans in China speculated that the main reason behind Yunda Express’s decision was a workers’ strike.
In reality, Yunda Express has had difficulty delivering goods on time as workers launched a strike over delayed wage payments.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
