First K-pop concert in mainland China in 9 years is postponed

An upcoming concert by K-pop boy group Epex in Fuzhou, China, has been “canceled due to issues in the local region,” label C9 Entertainment announced on Friday.

What happened: The concert, originally scheduled for May 31 at MAAQUU x CH8 LIVEHOUSE, was reportedly axed after a surge of scams involving Korean artists’ performances spiked in the country, prompting authorities to request a delay. The event had drawn significant attention as the first full-scale K-pop concert approved in mainland China in nine years, since the “Hallyu ban” was imposed in 2016 following South Korea’s deployment of the THAAD missile defense system.

Reschedule plan: In its statement, C9 Entertainment said they are “in talks to choose another date and venue for a new concert schedule.” The label vowed to share details “as soon as they are decided,” adding that they are coordinating with Chinese authorities.

For now, the postponement raises questions about China’s latest position on Korean cultural content. Beijing might be reconsidering its stance on K-pop, with smaller appearances by NCT members, Ive and Twice taking place in various locations in recent months.