Distrust and unease loom as South Koreans grow wary of China’s clout
- The topic of relations with China, a top trading partner and powerful neighbour, remains a sensitive one among South Korean industry and government officials
- Even BTS, which has a passionate fan base in China, has been subject to Beijing’s crackdowns
Here in the slick corporate headquarters of Hybe, the South Korean entertainment company that manages the K-pop superstars BTS, chief communications officer Jinhyeong “AJ” Lee knows that even the tiniest speck of news about the musicians or their millions of passionately loyal fans can send shock waves around the world.
That may be why two topics in this meeting seem to be far more sensitive than the others.
One is the status of the world’s most popular band, after BTS stunned the globe and Seoul’s financial markets last month when they announced plans to spend more time on solo projects.
The other is the status of the world’s most populous country.
“There are so many K-pop fans in China,” Lee said, choosing his words carefully. “They’ve been very active. But we cannot say more than that because there’s a Chinese government regulation about Korean culture.”
Even in the dazzlingly energetic and bright world of South Korean pop music, Beijing’s growing assertiveness under the rule of Xi Jinping is becoming inescapable. And interviews across South Korea’s government, its business community and its colossal entertainment sector reveal a clear trend: people are becoming increasingly wary of China.
