Jung Yong-hwa Cancels Appearance on Chinese Variety Show Just Before Airing... Signs of 'Hanhanryeong' Resurgence

Actor Jung Yong-hwa. [Source=Yonhap News]

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South Korean singer and actor Jung Yong-hwa traveled to China to appear on a Chinese variety show, but it was suddenly revealed on the 23rd that his appearance was canceled. Amid the recent deterioration of Korea-China relations, concerns are rising that the Hanhanryeong (限韓令, Korean Wave restriction order) might have resumed.

On the 10th, Chinese media outlets such as Xinjingbao reported that Jung Yong-hwa would appear on the new audition program "Fight, Freshman Class 1" on the popular Chinese online video service (OTT) iQIYI. Subsequently, after arriving in Beijing on the 17th, Jung posted photos of his arrival at the airport on social media (SNS), making his appearance seem a foregone conclusion.

However, recently, it was posted online in China that the Beijing Radio and Television Bureau responded to netizens' inquiries about Jung Yong-hwa's appearance by denying the reports.

According to the circulated information, the Beijing Radio and Television Bureau stated, "After confirming with iQIYI, the news that Jung Yong-hwa is filming a variety show in Beijing is not true," and added, "The program will not use Jung Yong-hwa as a guest in the future."

Regarding this, Chinese online media such as Tencent reported on the 23rd that Chinese netizens had reported Jung Yong-hwa's planned appearance to the broadcasting authorities, which seems to have led to the cancellation of his appearance.

Meanwhile, Jung Yong-hwa's agency stated, "We have no comment."

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