Story perspectives

China Lifts Ban: South Korean Dramas Return to Screens

2/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The decade-long unofficial ban on South Korean entertainment in China began in 2016 after South Korea deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, prompting cancellations and removal of content.
Recent thawing is indicated by Youku's release of Loving Strangers, the Chinese remake of My Mister, the first South Korean drama remake in China since the ban.
CJ ENM and JYP Entertainment's Chinese subsidiary launched Onecead to target China.

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Story summary

The decade-long unofficial ban on South Korean entertainment in China began in 2016 after South Korea deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, prompting cancellations and removal of content.
Recent thawing is indicated by Youku's release of Loving Strangers, the Chinese remake of My Mister, the first South Korean drama remake in China since the ban.
CJ ENM and JYP Entertainment's Chinese subsidiary launched Onecead to target China.