This shift suggests a move away from China’s “wolf warrior” diplomatic policy towards a more conciliatory “smile policy,” which aims to improve global perceptions of China. The change might also be influenced by the changing political landscape, particularly with the Trump administration’s threats of tariffs.
In 2016, China imposed restrictions on the distribution of Korean music, movies, dramas, and games in response to South Korea’s decision to deploy the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. While the Chinese government never officially acknowledged the ban, Korean cultural exports saw a sharp decline in availability, with very few Korean films or shows appearing in Chinese cinemas or on streaming platforms. K-pop artists have also been prohibited from performing in the country.
According to the Korea Economic Daily, a senior official involved in preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled for 2026 in China, the Chinese government plans to ease cultural restrictions. The official shared that a private-level cultural delegation will visit South Korea next month, with the aim of fully resuming cultural cooperation by May.
China’s box office has also been struggling. Despite success with local films like Nezha 2, the country’s box office revenue dropped by 23% last year, partly due to a lack of international content following the 2023 strikes. This has intensified the need for a more diverse range of entertainment offerings.
The entertainment ban has also affected South Korea’s industry, which saw significant losses. In 2017 alone, the KDB Future Strategy Research Institute estimated the ban caused damages up to $15.3 billion (KRW22 trillion).
Shares of major K-pop companies, including Hybe, JYP Entertainment, and SM Entertainment, have risen in response to the news. Hybe, in particular, has reached an annual high of KRW254,000.
Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, is scheduled for a March 7 release in China. As a Warner Bros. production, it has not been affected by the ban, as restrictions primarily targeted South Korean films rather than international productions with Korean involvement.