Korean pop culture followers have expressed their support for BTS member Suga's candid explanation of why K-Pop idols, including BTS, find it challenging to perform in China.

Recently, during an online live stream following a concert for his Agust D D-Day tour, Suga was asked by fans about potential performances in China. In response, he laid bare the political impediments that have been hindering K-Pop artists from performing in the country.

According to Suga, diverse group compositions, including both Korean and Chinese artists, often run into promotional challenges in China. "In one K-Pop group these days, there are Koreans, Chinese, and members from different nationalities. I've seen instances where Chinese members are allowed to work in China, but the group itself is not allowed to," he elucidated.

This elucidation underscored the complexities of promoting K-Pop in China, spotlighting the considerable challenges Korean artists face in gaining access to one of the world's largest music markets.

The frankness of Suga's remarks, which illuminated China's restrictive stance towards Korean artists, has drawn widespread appreciation from Korean netizens. They have lauded him for his courage in bringing the matter into the open and his diplomatic handling of a potentially contentious topic.

Numerous comments appeared across Korean online platforms, such as "This is something only BTS members can say. It's so refreshing to hear him reveal China's Korean ban," and "Wow, he explains well so that international fans don't misunderstand him. This topic could have landed him in so much controversy."

Another fan admired his honesty and independence, stating, "He tells it like it is because (BTS) does not rely on China to sell most of their records. He's so cool."

Notably, Suga managed to navigate the sensitive topic without alienating Chinese fans, with one user observing, "I think he spoke well while not offending Chinese fans... It's not like he said he didn't want to go. I think he spoke about the situation in China in a way that fans wouldn't be upset."

Amidst the situation, a silver lining has emerged for Chinese BTS fans. Recent news indicates that China has begun accepting visa applications from Korean performers, reversing a ban implemented since a 2016 dispute over Korea's installation of an anti-missile system. This offers hope for improved cultural exchanges between the two nations in the future.

Copyright © 2023 Kpop Reporter. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.