On May 27th, Variety reported that China’s top streaming platforms censored BTS footage, including other artists from HBO Max’s Friends: The Reunion.
Friends �is a beloved series in China. Thousands of Chinese fans of the show have been waiting for the show’s new story.
In October Last year, BTS received the Van Fleet Award by The Korea Society for the group’s promotion of cultural ties between the U.S. and South Korea. The Korea Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cooperation between the United States and Korea. During the band’s acceptance speech, RM said, “This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. We will always remember the history of pain that our two nations shared and the sacrifices of countless men and women.”
Chinese online users expressed their anger towards the speech. To which, they said the band disrespected the sacrifices made by Chinese soldiers during the Korean War.
After the incident, there was a rumor going around that china will ban BTS-related products, and China’s foreign ministry even had to make a public statement denying the rumor.
Many people wonder if China’s repeated censorship is part of their punishment to the people who offended them.
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Translator Na Young Gil: ZAPZEE is the best Korean pop culture community, and I’m happy to be part of it.
