However, these performances feature Chinese artists singing and dancing to popular K-pop songs without the involvement of Korean artists. This practice derives from Hallyu banimplemented in 2017 as a response to South Korea’s deployment of the THAAD missile defense system. This ban prevents Korean artists from performing in mainland China and blocks the distribution of Korean films, dramas, and other media.
Unauthorized use of K-pop content
According to China’s largest ticketing platform, Damai, a “K-pop Live Tour concert” will take place in Beijing’s Chaoyang District on January 8, 2024. This event follows performances in Tianjin and Xi’an earlier this month. The concerts feature Chinese bands performing hit songs from groups such as NewJeans, BLACKPINK, aespa and EXO. Tickets are priced between 42 and 580 yuan (approximately 8,000 to 110,000 KRW).
These concerts often involve audience participation, with fans learning the choreography beforehand and dancing throughout the performances. While such events are popular and well-received, they rely on the unauthorized use of K-pop songs, as the music is played without paying royalties to Korean artists or their production companies. Additionally, some events reportedly sell unofficial merchandise and use illegally downloaded Korean videos as stage backdrops.
Limited legal action
Korean entertainment companies are aware of the situation, but face difficulties in taking legal action due to the difficulty of enforcing intellectual property rights in China. An insider noted: “Chinese organizers seem to assume they won’t get caught and therefore avoid paying royalties.” Another cultural expert noted cases where Chinese organizers even used the logos of major Korean entertainment companies without permission and set up booths to display them.
The debate over the demand for K-pop in China
Despite these problems, some are against completely cutting K-pop consumption in China. While the current Hallyu ban prevents Korean artists from performing in the country, maintaining Chinese fans’ interest in K-pop could prove beneficial if the restrictions are lifted. A cultural insider explained: “Rather than block K-pop completely, it is important to support demand and keep the fan base alive in anticipation of normalized relations.”
Hopes for the lifting of the ban
There is growing optimism that Hallyu ban will ease in the near future. Last month, China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sun Yeli, met with South Korea’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Yoo In-chon, and expressed interest in learning from Korea’s success in the field of cultural contents. While current diplomatic tensions have delayed further discussions, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju next November could offer an opportunity for progress. Some experts speculate that Chinese President Xi Jinping may bring the gift of raising the issue Hallyu ban during his planned visit to Korea.
For now, Chinese K-pop concerts continue to draw crowds, even as Korean artists and producers remain on the sidelines, unable to benefit from their music’s growing popularity in China.
Source: Chosun Biz
