Hashtag ‘#KoreaTravelBan’ has surpassed one million mentions on Thai Twitter
Recently, some Thai individuals have expressed discontent with Korean K-pop and other Korean content. A hashtag campaign, ‘Korea Travel Ban,’ is gaining traction on social media, indicating a surge in anti-Korean sentiment. As K-pop rapidly gains popularity in Southeast Asia, the industry is on edge due to the reactive emotions that have emerged.
According to industry sources on the 17th, the hashtag ‘#KoreaTravelBan’ has surpassed one million mentions on Thai Twitter (X), with local media previously claiming that Korea excessively restricts the entry of Thai nationals. Allegations include discriminatory practices during immigration inspections, despite the current visa exemption agreement between Korea and Thailand allowing Thais to stay in Korea for up to 90 days for tourism. However, due to repeated issues of illegal stay by Thai nationals, the Korean Ministry of Justice has implemented stricter immigration inspections for Thais.
Some Thai individuals have shared their experiences of being denied entry, attributing it to having too much money relative to their income. One individual stated, “I was denied entry, citing that I had too much money for this trip. I saved money for five years for this journey.” Another mentioned facing questions such as ‘Why did you come to Korea?’ and ‘Do you have a ticket for a fan signing event?’ during immigration inspection, showcasing receipts for event entry, return tickets, and albums to prove their intentions.
These incidents have negatively impacted perceptions of ‘K-pop culture’ itself. One Thai individual recounted being asked by immigration officers, “How can I trust that you are really attending the event when anyone can buy an album? There is no reason for you to enter Korea.” This has led to a decrease in the number of Thais visiting Korea, with 81.1% recovery in March compared to the pre-pandemic period, dropping to the 50% range in July and August. In contrast, the number of Thais visiting Japan has increased, with a significant gap observed in tourist numbers between the two countries.
As tensions escalated, both governments intervened. The Thai Prime Minister stated last month that discussions would take place regarding the persistent issues of Thai nationals being denied entry and deported from Korea. The Korean Ministry of Justice also expressed its commitment to prevent unintentional harm to visitors.
Southeast Asia is considered a promising market for K-pop’s future growth, given its rapidly growing population, positive perception of K-pop, and active engagement in cultural consumption. However, the region comes with both positive and negative factors. Some Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Vietnam, are known for their citizens’ sensitive reactions to diplomatic and political issues. Unlike Japan, where the love for K-pop remains steady despite strained relations with South Korea, Southeast Asia poses risks to the expansion and globalization of K-pop.
Source: daum
