China may suspend prohibition of Korean content

A new era for South Korean entertainment may be on its way. After eight years of restrictions, China is expected to suspend its unofficial ban on Hallyu-a term that refers to South Korea pop culture, including k-dramas, k-pop and cinema. The measure is part of a diplomatic change between the two countries and can represent a giant economic impact on the South Korean cultural industry.

This change of scenario happens after China declares that it wants to “expand cultural exchanges” with South Korea and “fully resume cultural cooperation as early as May”, thus paving the way for the return of South Korean content to the Chinese market, including From concerts and movies to games and TV shows, as reflected by Portal Soompi.

Hallyu’s ban on China was imposed in 2017 as retaliation for the implementation of the US Antimisile Defense System, Thaad in South Korea. Although Beijing has never officially recognized this restriction, access to South Korean content was dramatically reduced Export requests were denied without justification, and artists faced difficulties to perform in the country.

The blockade had a significant impact on the economy of South Korea, with estimates of the Future Strategy Research Institute, pointing out that only in 2017 the losses caused by the ban exceeded 22 trillion (about R $ 87.2 billion). The possible resumption of South Korean cultural activities in the Chinese market would not only financially boost the entertainment industry, but could also strengthen the presence of K-Pop and K-Damas in one of the world’s largest audiences.

The Chinese president, Xi Jinpingalso stated in a meeting with the President of the National Assembly of Korea, Woo Won-Shikthe interest and importance that the country has in cultural exchange, stating that “we should prevent problems from dealing with these issues,” so analysts conclude that China no longer sees Korean culture as a direct threat to its own industry entertainment.