The recent trend of Chinese artists performing K-pop songs has sparked significant attention. These performances feature local talent singing and dancing to popular K-pop tracks, but notably exclude any participation from Korean artists. This situation has arisen as a direct consequence of the Hallyu ban, established in 2017, following South Korea’s deployment of the THAAD missile defense system. The ban has effectively barred Korean artists from performing in mainland China and restricted the release of Korean films, dramas, and other media content.
Unauthorized Use of K-pop Music
On January 8, 2024, Beijing’s Chaoyang District will host a “K-pop Live Tour Concert”according to Damai, China’s largest ticketing platform. This event follows previous concerts held in Tianjin and Xi’an. At these concerts, Chinese bands will perform popular hits from renowned K-pop groups such as NewJeans, BLACKPINK, aespa, and EXO. Ticket prices range between 42 and 580 yuan, approximately 8,000 to 110,000 KRW.
These events are popular among fans, often encouraging them to participate actively by learning choreography ahead of time. However, the use of K-pop songs during these concerts raises legal concerns, as they are played without appropriate royalty payments to the original artists or their respective production companies. Moreover, some concerts reportedly sell unlicensed merchandise and utilize illegally obtained Korean videos as backdrops, compounding the issue of unauthorized usage.
Challenges in Legal Action
Korean entertainment firms are cognizant of these violations; however, they encounter significant hurdles in enforcing intellectual property rights in China. An insider has noted, “Chinese organizers appear to operate under the assumption that they won’t face repercussions, leading them to sidestep royalty obligations.” Another expert highlighted instances where event organizers have incorrectly used the logos of leading Korean entertainment companies, setting up unauthorized booths to leverage their branding.
The Ongoing Debate on K-pop’s Popularity in China
In light of these challenges, some stakeholders advocate against entirely severing ties with K-pop in China. Despite the ongoing Hallyu ban preventing Korean artists from engaging with their Chinese audience, sustaining the interest of K-pop fans could prove advantageous should the restrictions be lifted. A cultural insider remarked, “Instead of entirely blocking K-pop, it’s vital to keep the demand alive and the fanbase engaged in anticipation of improved relations.”
Anticipating an Easing of the Hallyu Ban
There is a burgeoning sense of optimism surrounding the potential for easing the Hallyu ban. Recently, China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sun Yeli, met with South Korea’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Yoo In-chon. During this meeting, he expressed an eagerness to learn from Korea’s successful approach to cultural content. Although current diplomatic strains have stalled further talks, the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit set for Gyeongju next November may present a pivotal moment for progress. Some experts speculate that during his anticipated visit to Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping may advocate for lifting the Hallyu ban as a gesture of goodwill.
As it stands, K-pop concerts in China continue to attract large audiences, while Korean artists and producers remain sidelined, missing out on the burgeoning popularity of their music in the Chinese market.
Source: Chosun Biz
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