China Begins To Lift The Ban On Hallyu Content In The Country

Now that China is loosening its restrictions on Hallyu content, Korean-related concerts and music programs will soon resume broadcasting.

In 2016, China called for a ban on Hallyu (or Korean Wave) content in response to a dispute over the deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea. China did not approve of this move and, as a result, barred Korea from one of its most profitable entertainment markets.

Under the ban, the Chinese government rejected all (unapproved) K-Pop concerts, K-Dramas, and even edited Korean celebrities out of Chinese advertisements.

Yoona (Girl’s Generation) starred in this Chinese CF in 2017, after the ban was lifted.

Any show that starred Korean talent was subject to the ban, as were shows funded by, affiliated with, or produced by Korean companies.

Lee Jong Suk stars in this unreleased Chinese drama, Jade Lovers with Zheng Shuang of Love O2O fame.

The goal of the ban was to hit the Korean entertainment industry where it hurt: its wallet. As a result, companies such as the “Big 3” (YG Entertainment, SM Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment) lost revenue, and some of its stars lost exposure.

The ban began to lift in early 2017 and is now on its way to subsiding completely. This is exciting news for Chinese K-Drama fans, who have been looking forward to shows like Jade Lover for a long time.

The trailer for Jade Lovers aired in January 2017 but the show will not officially hit screens until this October.

Chinese concerts and fan meetings are also set to resume in the 4th quarter of 2018. Congratulations, Chinese K-Pop fans!