The United States has just announced that it had agreed terms with South Korea to build a missile shield system in the Korean nation. This is in order to defend the country in case North Korea launches a surprise attack.
However, the Chinese government does not agree on this as it says that it poses an alarming military threat to China. This had in turn harmed Chinese-Korean relations up until this point. But other than issuing angry statements, China actually can't do much to stop THAAD's development. So it's taking its anger out on Korean pop culture.
According to SMH, China can't do something about it, except for one thing, and that is to block Korean and K-pop influence in the Chinese nation. China is South Korea's biggest market, as it gives the country roughly $5.3 billion in revenue per year.
Now, all Korean TV shows and K-pop music videos are now blocked in China. Even Chinese internet users have shown their dismay with Korea, which is why they also confirmed that they will be boycotting Korean products and stop fanaticizing about K-pop idols.
Now, K-pop stars also confirm that they will be cancelling their tours in China. According to Vox, EXO, a popular K-pop boy band, has just confirmed that they will be cancelling their two concerts in Shanghai scheduled this coming August.
Even Kim Woo Bin and Suzy Bae have cancelled their fan meet that was supposed to be held in Beijing this August. This would then mean only one thing for Korean entertainment companies, and that is to shift their focus on other countries.
It is undeniable that South Korean culture has had a huge impact and influence in the young people of China, specifically in fashion, music, movies, food and even language. However, with all of the tension going on, all of these have changed.
K-pop is no longer pop music in the Chinese nation.
