K-pop labels gear up for China comeback later this year after decade-long ban

South Korea's top two K-pop labels are preparing for a long-awaited reopening of the Chinese market, with Beijing widely expected to lift its de-facto ban on Korean pop performances later this year.

- SOHEE KIM

Hybe Co, the company behind K-pop sensation BTS, opened its first office in China last month, signalling renewed confidence in the market. Rival SM Entertainment Co. unveiled a strategic partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment Group to launch a Chinese idol group and deepen cooperation on music businesses in China. Last week, Tencent Music agreed to buy a nearly 10% stake in SM Entertainment for about US$180 million (5.8 billion baht), marking a rare Chinese investment into South Korea in recent years.