In a move that aroused both opportunities and concern, Tencent of the Chinese technology giant has become the Second largest shareholder From SmeniorinmentOne of the “great three” Entertainment Companies of Korea known for the launch of important K-Pop acts.
The news comes how Korean entertainment companies begin to return to the Chinese marketFollowing signs of relaxed restrictions and defrosting cultural tensions between the two countries. The Hip-Hop Korean groups perform again in China and SM has announced joint companies with Tencent, including the plans for Chinese idol training programs.
According to analysts in the sector, this reports a strategic push of Tencent a Draw on the global power of K-popexploiting the properties of ownership and intellectual production of sm. SM collaboration with Tencent is seen as part of a wider trend in which Chinese companies are looking for Reference and replica Korean entertainment models.
However, worries are growing The influence of the Chinese capital in the cultural sector of Korea. Tencent’s market value is about 818 trillions of victories (about $ 599 billion) a disconcerting 267 times larger than SM and more than the combined value of the first four entertainment agencies of Korea.
Also, Tencent is already Significant actions of other main Korean entertainment companiesraising alarms on the long -term impact on the cultural autonomy of Korea. Critics warn that without careful regulation, the Korean content could face Foreign control or dilutionHis global identity of the brand is potentially weakened.
As cultural exchanges become more active, we must be cautious “, An observer in the sector said. “The flow of unregulated capital could lead to a situation in which our cultural market is excavated.”
While many see Tencent’s investments as an opportunity for Korean companies to expand their global imprint, others fear that it can compromise the authenticity itself that has made K-Pop a world phenomenon.
