EPEX China concert postponed, casting doubt on Hallyu’s return

The long-awaited EPEX China concert postponed announcement has put a damper on hopes for the revival of Hallyu in mainland China after nearly a decade of restrictions on Korean pop culture.

EPEX China concert postponed despite official approval

Fourth-generation boy group EPEX had been scheduled to perform in Fuzhou, China, on May 31, marking what would have been the first Korean group concert in mainland China in nine years. This performance was widely anticipated as a potential breakthrough following years of cultural tension between South Korea and China. However, the show has been abruptly postponed, reigniting concerns over whether the easing of restrictions may have been premature.

According to reports, EPEX’s event had received formal approval from authorities, seen by many as a hopeful signal for improving diplomatic and cultural ties. However, shortly after the announcement, the concert became plagued by scams and unauthorized ticket sales. Fake organizers and ticket vendors began circulating, leading Chinese officials to step in to prevent further complications.

As a result, the performance was postponed for the safety of fans and those involved. No rescheduled date has been confirmed yet. C9 Entertainment, the group’s agency, is currently working with local partners to find a new date for the show.

The unofficial ban on Korean entertainment in China began in 2017, following Korea’s deployment of the THAAD missile defense system. While the Chinese government has never formally acknowledged the cultural embargo, Korean media, music, and entertainment exports have been heavily restricted for the past eight years. Presently, any Korean content entering the Chinese market must be pre-approved, and many applications are rejected without explanation.

The last major K-pop act to tour mainland China was BIGBANG in 2015. EPEX’s concert stood out not only for being the first in years but also for featuring an entirely Korean lineup—unlike more recent smaller events in China, which typically included multi-national casts or took the form of fan meetings.

Although the official reason for the postponement is attributed to local operational issues, many in the industry are closely observing how the situation unfolds. The outcome of EPEX’s concert rescheduling could determine the viability of future K-pop concerts in China and the broader thaw in cultural exchange.