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BTS Launches World Tour, Skips China Amid Restrictions

4/10/2026

44 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) will begin a world tour, notably excluding China due to an unofficial 2016 ban linked to THAAD.
The ban reflects China's effort to control foreign cultural influence, while Beijing says there is no official ban.
South Korean entertainment companies are shifting focus to Japan and North America, reducing reliance on China.
Some K-pop groups can still perform in China, reflecting partial access despite restrictions.

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Story summary

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) will begin a world tour, notably excluding China due to an unofficial 2016 ban linked to THAAD.
The ban reflects China's effort to control foreign cultural influence, while Beijing says there is no official ban.
South Korean entertainment companies are shifting focus to Japan and North America, reducing reliance on China.
Some K-pop groups can still perform in China, reflecting partial access despite restrictions.