China and North Korea are pretty much the same when it comes to Kpop. These two countries are compact to limit the movement of Kpop fans. This is interesting, because the issue of tightening regulations in China is currently heating up.
Citing CNN Business which was read on Tuesday (7/9/2021), Weibo announced that it had suspended 21 K-Pop fan base accounts. Those who have been suspended for 30 days are fan accounts of Blackpink, BTS, EXO to IU.
The reason for the suspension according to Weibo was the irrational pursuit of idols. Fans initially knew when Jimin BTS's fan account was suspended.
The Chinese government's action about this seems to be an additional tightening of state regulations to clean cyberspace from the entertainment and technology industries which are considered 'lack' by China. Previously, actress Vicky Zhao 'disappeared' from the internet in China. Vicky Zhao is missing from all Chinese streaming services like Tencent Video, iQIYI and Youku.
Meanwhile, North Korea is known to close its country from the outside world. Regarding Kpop, North Korea and China seem to be equally strict. There is only one girl band from South Korea who can perform in front of Kim Jong-un, namely Red Velvet, who is famous for the song 'Psycho'.
Had a viral video uploaded by the channel 'AYO ' on January 29, 2021. The two defectors from North Korea who became the host revealed how popular Kpop and BTS were across the border but had to really struggle to listen to favorite songs from South Korean artists.
"This is the guest star's personal opinion, so there may be differences from the actual situation in North Korea," reads a warning in the video description titled 'You'll get arrested if you like BTS in North Korea? The secret of geeking out that risks your life'.
According to both hosts, BTS and other idols are very popular in North Korea. In fact, there are many ways to trick the authorities when they want to listen to Kpop songs in public, one of which is by hiding their earphones with earmuffs. When officers asked what song they were listening to, Kpopers quickly switched the song to songs from North Korea.
Kim Jong-un has officially banned the use of slang to foreign films in North Korea. Most recently, Kim Jong Un accused K-pop of destroying the country's young generation.