Chinese Officials Order Ban On Korean Films At Beijing International Film Festival

It seems that the Chinese ban on Korean music videos because of an American defense policy is affecting even Korean films slated to be shown at the Beijing International Film Festival. It has been reported that Chinese authorities have ordered a ban on Korean movies from being shown at the prestigious film festival.

According to a report by Korea Joongang Daily, insiders confirmed that there were Korean films invited to participate in the Beijing Film Festival. Some of the films even made it to the shortlist of major awards but Chinese authorities reportedly prohibited the films from being screened at the festival.

"The Beijing International Film Festival has invited Koreans but have suspended this because of Chinese authorities' orders," a source explained to the publication. "Thus, it appears Korean films will not be screened at the film festival."

The order to ban Korean films from the festival may be related to the existing Chinese ban on Korean music videos and other Korean content from broadcast in Chinese channels in retaliation for the Korean government's implementation of a missile shield called the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or THAAD introduced by Washington.

According to a report by Vox, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed strong dissatisfaction to the policy but when the Korean government agreed to its implementation, it decided to emphasize its dissatisfaction by implementing a ban on Korean music from television and streaming sites.

The Korean retail industry also felt the impact of the crackdown on cosmetics, food and even tourism. It was reported that the Chinese authorities have also been imposing a restriction on tour packages to Korea.

Partnerships between Chinese and Korean productions for films have also been affected as it was reported that actor Ha Jung Woo recently ran into problems with acquiring his visa to film in China. The actor was supposed to film with actress Zhang Ziyi.