While the ban on South Korean artists and dramas in China has never been officially recognized by Beijing, they have been off the air for years. However, an agreement in 2021 between China Media Group and Korean Broadcasting System hinted at a relaxation of the unspoken restrictions. Since then, K-pop idols such as Jessica Jung from Girls’ Generation and Amber Liu from f(x) have enjoyed mainstream success in China, despite their shows still being unavailable on television.
Chinese fans have claimed that they have not faced significant hardships in continuing their activities, even when bilateral relations between China and South Korea hit a low point. Fan clubs have played a crucial role in shielding members from potential difficulties in buying albums and merchandise during the years of tightened restrictions on fandom culture. Group buying, where albums are purchased in bulk overseas and then shipped to China, has allowed fans to access their favorite artists’ content.
Although official online stores have reopened to Chinese fans, some even taking payments on Chinese payment apps, anti-Chinese sentiments or culturally insensitive materials from South Korean artists or productions do affect their support. Fans are quick to stop spending money on artists who make insulting remarks about China. However, positive remarks by stars about Chinese culture are lauded by K-pop fans as a way to help endorse their idols amid deteriorating bilateral relations.
Changes in the relationship between Seoul and Beijing have not affected the consumption of entertainment by K-pop fans in China. Fan activities have become more subtle after the ban, with fans deliberately highlighting instances when an artist has shown respect for Chinese culture. Merchandise is more accessible in China compared to the United States due to its geographical proximity to South Korea. The ban has not affected the sense of national identity of Chinese K-pop fans, and an idol’s political views do not impact their feelings towards them.
Despite government policies reducing the exposure of South Korean stars in China, K-pop fans remain independent in their consumption choices. Through their support for their idols, fans develop friendships, learn new languages, and understand other cultures, which contributes to their cultural identity.
