China blocks Korean celebrity accounts including Mamamoo and Bi on TikTok

Possibility of 'Technical Reasons' in the Process of Strengthening Internet Control

Korean Celebrity Accounts Blocked on China's TikTok Douyin [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Numerous official accounts of Korean celebrities on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, have suddenly been blocked en masse.

The Korean celebrities whose accounts were blocked include singers TWICE, MAMAMOO, Rain, IZ*ONE, HyunA, Hyunmi, Kim Heechul, Ji Chang-wook, and others.

Currently, searching their names on Douyin does not show their accounts in the results.

On the mobile screens of Chinese fans who followed these Korean celebrities, only the account names remain, while profile pictures and other details have disappeared.

Popular Korean celebrities have millions of followers on Douyin.

Douyin has not explained the reason for blocking the Korean celebrities' accounts. However, they stated, "Generally, accounts are blocked when reports are received indicating problems with the content."

Locally in China, it is analyzed that this incident likely occurred due to technical reasons during the authorities' control over the domestic internet.

Amid the aftermath of COVID-19, as Chinese people increasingly use internet platforms like Douyin, the Chinese government has recently been strengthening control over internet platforms under the pretexts of "vulgar content" or "excessive commercialism."

Some speculate that this may be part of stricter internet real-name system management, resulting in mass suspension of accounts operated by foreigners overseas targeting Chinese users.

A Chinese diplomatic source said, "With the promotion of President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea and the warming of Korea-China relations, and China showing various friendly gestures toward Korea, it seems unlikely that this incident is an official measure by the authorities."