Chinese Media That Deleted Articles About BTS

Some Chinese Netizens Completely Unaware of the Reality of Pleading for Investment in Korean Companies
Deep Regret Over the Distorted Views of Certain Chinese Netizens

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China’s state-run Global Times has taken steps to contain the situation by deleting articles related to BTS.

On the 12th, after the Global Times reported BTS leader RM (real name Kim Nam-joon)’s acceptance speech for the Van Fleet Award, Chinese netizens poured out criticism.

The Global Times reported that Chinese netizens expressed anger over the part of BTS’s acceptance speech that referred to the Korean War as "a history of hardship experienced by both countries (South Korea and the U.S.)."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In fact, on Weibo (China’s version of Twitter), some netizens claimed that BTS had "touched the dignity of the nation," showing signs of withdrawing from BTS’s fan club ‘Army’ and even boycotting related merchandise.

However, criticism was directed at some Chinese netizens for their excessive reaction, which failed to consider the differing perspectives of South Korea and China on the historical fact of the Korean War.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stepped in to manage the situation.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to claims that BTS’s remarks about the Korean War were related to China’s national dignity by stating, "Learning from history to look toward the future and fostering friendship is something we should pursue together and worth our joint efforts."

The Global Times quietly deleted BTS-related content from its official website, and additional reactions on platforms like Weibo also disappeared.

A source in Beijing said, "It seems the Chinese authorities do not want the issue between South Korea and China regarding BTS to escalate, so they are trying to calm public opinion."

Another source in Beijing commented on the criticism of BTS, saying, "It seems to stem from some Chinese people who think China is the center of the world and seek attention," adding, "If you do not show respect, you will not receive respect, and a better future will not come."

A representative from a Korean company expressed regret about some distorted Chinese netizens, saying, "Many Chinese people seem unaware of the reality that local Chinese governments are pleading with Korean and other foreign companies to attract investment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.