K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
《Lee Min-kyung's Siren》
Lee Min-kyung from TenAsia sounds the alarm on the rapidly evolving entertainment industry, highlighting unseen issues and alerting to threats and changes surrounding the entertainment world.

As the easing of the Korean ban in China raises hopes for a positive impact on the K-pop market, a new challenge emerges with the 'Japan ban.' The Chinese government has imposed comprehensive restrictions on performances and cultural content consumption by Japanese artists. Groups like LE SSERAFIM and TWICE, which include Japanese members, may find it difficult to benefit from the 'Korean ban' relaxation.
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
Recently, LE SSERAFIM canceled their planned fan signing event for their single album 'SPAGHETTI' in Shanghai. The organizers announced the cancellation on the eve of the event, citing "unavoidable circumstances" after careful discussions with relevant departments. While the specific reason for the cancellation was not disclosed, industry insiders speculate that the inclusion of Japanese members Sakura and Kazuha may have posed restrictions on their activities.

Similarly, a fan meeting for trainees from Incode Entertainment, scheduled for November 6 in Shanghai, was canceled on the day of the event due to "unavoidable circumstances." Japanese participants Masato and Sen, who appeared on Mnet's audition program 'Boys Planet 2,' were set to attend. In contrast, there have been instances where events proceeded without Japanese members. The group Close Your Eyes held a fan meeting in China on November 6 without their Japanese member Kenshin.
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
An analysis of the proportion of Japanese members in groups under the four major domestic entertainment companies revealed that 17.1% of members are Japanese. JYP Entertainment, which manages groups like NiziU and NEXJ, and has seen success in Japan with TWICE, has the highest proportion of Japanese members at 23.5%. HYBE follows with 20.2%, with groups like &TEAM and AONE. SM Entertainment has 8.9% Japanese members, while YG Entertainment has 13.2%.
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
Kim Ji-hyun, a researcher at Shin Young Securities, noted that the presence of Japanese members could lead to mixed fortunes for group activities in China, emphasizing the need for flexible member management strategies. He pointed out that after the 2017 Korean ban, K-pop faced restrictions in China but could emerge as a new content focus by 2026. However, the 'Japan ban' presents a new hurdle.

Hwang Ji-won, a researcher at iM Securities, suggested that the 'Japan ban' might be advantageous for groups with few or no Japanese members. He noted that since the 'Japan ban' was imposed in November, Japanese artist performances have been canceled, and with Japanese artists accounting for about 60% of foreign artist performances in China at the start of the year, K-pop could emerge as a strong alternative.
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
K-Pop Faces New Challenge as China Restricts Japanese Artists Amid Eased Korean Ban
The overall industry situation remains challenging. While excluding Japanese members from events might seem feasible, many groups find it difficult to proceed without their key Japanese members. LE SSERAFIM (Sakura, Kazuha) and TWICE (Mina, Sana, Momo) are prime examples of groups with popular Japanese members.

Particularly, SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment may struggle to increase their market share in China despite the easing of the Korean ban. This is because their flagship artists, including NCT, NCT 127, aespa, and RIIZE from SM Entertainment, and TWICE and Stray Kids from JYP Entertainment, all include Japanese members.

Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun acknowledged the inevitable challenges, stating, "K-pop's industry structure is globalized, including team compositions. Therefore, such variables must be managed. It's a crucial time for agencies to strategize." He suggested that alternative strategies, such as unit activities or adjustments during world tours, could be viable, noting that it's not uncommon for groups to perform without all members due to health issues.

Lee Min-kyung, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr
Show original