Chinese media reported that Weibo had suspended 21 fan club accounts for 30 days because they “irrationally idolized and supported a celebrity.”
The suspended accounts are the official fan club accounts of the following stars: groups BTS and EXO; stars IU, Blackpink’s Rosé, and Red Velvet’s Seulgi. Through an official notice, Weibo stated, “We will firmly oppose and strictly handle irrational idolization of celebrities.”
However, there was no explanation as to what kind of “problems” that these accounts have caused. They also failed to mention why only the fan club accounts for Korean celebrities were suspended.
The Global Times (Chinese newspaper under the People’s Daily) claimed, “Some Korean agencies are taking advantage of the idol-following culture of Chinese fans. There can be no tolerance for foreign companies seeking profits while challenging China’s policies.”
Weibo’s decision came right after it was confirmed that the Chinese fan club of BTS’s Jimin raised a large amount to celebrate his birthday.
Earlier in June, the CAC (Cyberspace Administration of China) announced that they would clamp down on activities that encourage minors to join fund-raising and spend large sums of money for celebrities. Then last month, they enforced 10 measures to “clean up” what it called the “chaos” of celebrity fan clubs.
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Translator Kim Hoyeun: If you are a fan of K-drama, K-movie, and K-pop, I am your guy. I will continue to provide you with up-to-date K-entertainment news.
