K-pop Concert in China Delayed After 9 Years: Was the Eased Hallyu Ban Hopes Premature?

Recent optimism surrounding a potential easing of China’s prolonged restrictions on Korean pop culture has taken a hit with the K-pop group EPEX announcing the postponement of their slated concert in China. This development raises concerns that the anticipated thaw in the “Hallyu ban”may be premature.

EPEX’s performance, titled “2025 EPEX 3rd Concert: Youth Chapter, ” was set for May 31 in Fuzhou, China. This concert was particularly significant, marking the first performance by a Korean group in mainland China in nearly a decade—a milestone that followed years of cultural stagnation tied to geopolitical tensions.

Reasons for Postponement

Insiders within the industry reported that the concert had received official approval, which many interpreted as a positive sign for the revival of cultural exchanges between Korea and China. However, this approval incited a surge of scams and impersonation attempts, as various fraudulent operators and ticket sellers quickly emerged in the Chinese market.

In light of the potential risks posed to fans and stakeholders, Chinese authorities intervened, resulting in the unexpected postponement of the concert. EPEX’s management, C9 Entertainment, is reportedly engaged in conversations with local event organizers to determine a new date for the show.

A Setback for Hallyu?

The approval of EPEX’s concert had been enthusiastically received within the Korean entertainment sector, signaling a shift in an environment frozen since 2016, when China implemented the Hallyu ban in response to South Korea’s deployment of the U. S.THAAD missile defense system.

This ban effectively halted the flow of Korean entertainment content into China, resulting in the suspension of K-dramas, music shows, variety programs, and concerts. The last major K-pop event before the restrictions was BIGBANG’s tour in 2015.

EPEX’s planned concert was viewed as a promising opportunity, particularly since all members are Korean—this factor is crucial, given that previous small-scale appearances in China usually involved mixed-nationality groups or fan meet-and-greet events.

Although the official reason provided for the postponement is “local circumstances, ” analysts in the industry are interpreting this turn of events as a serious warning sign for other Korean artists considering China as a venue for future concerts.

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