China Denies Ban on BTS Merchandise Customs Clearance, Says "No Such Policy Existed"

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson: "China Wants to Promote Friendship with Korea"
Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee United in Calling for 'Active Response'

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese authorities denied reports that they had banned the customs clearance of BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) products.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to questions about the related reports at a regular briefing on the 21st, saying, "Government sectors such as Chinese customs have not issued any such policy that you are referring to."

He added, "Our position remains unchanged in promoting friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between Korea and China," and said, "We hope that irresponsible reports and comments will not harm the bilateral relationship."

Spokesperson Zhao said, "China wants to actively work with Korea to enhance the friendship between the two countries."

On the 19th, Chinese logistics company Yunda (韻達) announced that it would not deliver BTS-related products, sparking controversy. Subsequently, two other companies also suspended deliveries, and there were reports that this was in accordance with customs guidelines.

Earlier, BTS leader RM said on the 7th (local time) in his acceptance speech for the 'Van Fleet Award' given by the Korea Society, a U.S.-Korea friendship nonprofit foundation, "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War," and added, "We will always remember the shared painful history and the sacrifices of countless men and women between the two countries (Korea and the U.S.)."

On the 21st, the 10th day of the National Assembly inspection, Ambassador Jang Ha-sung to China is giving a work report at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's inspection at the National Assembly. (Beijing Correspondents)

Although there was no mention of China, some Chinese netizens reacted strongly, claiming that the remarks disrespected Chinese soldiers who died in the war and insulted China. In response, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Company, and Fila withdrew BTS advertisements.

The issue of banning BTS product customs clearance was even raised during a national audit.

At a video national audit held at the Korean Embassy in Beijing on the same day by the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Representative Jeong Jin-seok (People Power Party) criticized the government's response as passive and helpless.

In response, Korean Ambassador to China Jang Ha-sung said, "We raised the issue of the suspension of BTS-related product deliveries with high-level Chinese officials."

Ruling party lawmakers also voiced a united stance with the opposition, stating that the Korean Embassy in China should respond to the BTS product delivery suspension controversy by engaging diplomatic channels, contacting delivery companies, and addressing distorted reports in Chinese media.

Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Yong-seon expressed concern that the BTS controversy might worsen like the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) incident, potentially leading Chinese authorities to reimpose non-tariff barriers in areas such as economy, culture, and tourism.

Ambassador Jang said, "The day after the initial report of the situation, I communicated directly with high-level Chinese government officials," and added, "We are taking the situation very seriously and will respond accordingly."

He also added, "The suspension of BTS-related product deliveries occurred this Monday, and we are communicating with the relevant companies and Chinese customs."