Hallyu ban in effect? Song Joong Ki out, Eddie Peng in, China’s DFA responds

***** If you don’t want to read the translations, skip to the END.
The ban 限韩令 actually has its own page on Baidu where it states, “After Korea’s deployment of THAAD, a US anti-ballistic missile system, it is said that the Chinese government has imposed limits on Korean celebrities and shows, including a ban on group performances by Big Bang, EXO, etc… and a blacklist on Korean dramas, variety shows, and celebrities effective September 1.” 

*****END

To sum up the long spiel, a guy from China’s Department of Foreign Affairs denies knowledge of a Hallyu ban though he seems to insinuate that the nation’s united stance against THAAD will ultimately affect the public sentiment on the Korean wave. 

It sounds serious and all but we know the ban hasn’t happened with a number of k-dramas such as Moon Lovers recently airing in China. I doubt that a complete ban will ever be enforced, though it’s likely that it will be done behind the scenes and in small waves. 

Jun Ji Hyun faces a similar situation after signing a deal with Oppo last month only to be replaced by Angelababy. As a third party from the outside looking in, the whole thing just sounds wrong.