Chinese Embassy in Korea stated, “The Internet cleanup campaign by China’s Government is not aimed at Hallyu (the Korean Wave)”
The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has issued a position statement titled “The Chinese Government’s position on special actions related to Quinglang (Internet cleanup movement)”.
On September 8, The Chinese Embassy in South Korea declared that China’s recent Internet cleanup campaign does not target the Korean Wave.
Earlier, after the largest Chinese social media Weibo suspended many fanclub accounts of Korean stars, many people have raised suspicions that the Chinese Government is targeting the Korean Wave. In particular, Weibo suspended more than 21 fanclub accounts of KPOP celebrities such as IU, Girls’ Generation Tae Yeon, IZ*ONE Jang Won Young, BLACKPINK Lisa and Rosé, etc. for 30 days.
The Chinese Embassy explained, “Recently, serious problems related to tax evasion, sex crimes, drugs, etc., caused by problematic celebrities have happened frequently in Chinese showbiz. In addition, a famous foreign singer was arrested on charges of rape, and an actor who visited the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine several times received intense criticisms from Chinese people.”
They added, “Moreover, the issues related to Chinese fandoms, such as swearing, slandering, and spreading malicious rumors on the Internet, have been increasing. Moreover, many fans, including minors, are encouraged or even forced to raise funds in order to support celebrities.”
The Embassy emphasized, “The Chinese Government aims only at the behaviors that create public disorder, against the moral standards and violate laws. This will not interfere with the normal exchange relationships between China and other countries.”
In addition, they stated, “China and South Korea have built deep and strong historical and cultural ties, learning from each other throughout thousands of years of our exchange relationship. Moreover, the ‘China-Korea Cultural Exchange Year’ will begin this year and next year will mark the 30th anniversary of China-Korea’s diplomatic relation establishment.”
Lastly, the Embassy emphasized, “China hopes to develop friendship and cooperation with Korea in line with the trend of the times. We will continue to strengthen cultural exchanges with Korea, encourage cultural exchanges between the two countries.”
