1. The “Korean Ban” is restrictive, not absolute
Many fans were surprised to see Kim Jaejoong holding a fan meeting in China despite ongoing restrictions on Korean entertainment. The truth is, China’s “Korean ban” (often referred to as “限韩令”) does not entirely prohibit Korean celebrities from entering the country. Instead, it imposes tight controls over large-scale events such as concerts or televised appearances. Smaller, offline gatherings like fan meetings can still obtain approval, although the process is notably strict and selective. In fact, it’s not uncommon for about a dozen Korean artists to visit China each year for such private events.
2. Offline events are allowed, but with limited online exposure
Even if an offline event is approved, organizers must navigate limited online visibility. Promotional materials for these events are often downplayed or quietly circulated due to platform restrictions. Moreover, if an event isn’t properly registered with authorities, it risks being shut down mid-way — and there have been several real cases of this happening. This underlines the importance of proper compliance and low-profile promotion when hosting Korean artists in China.
