Latest news with #KED
CairoScene
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Littérature du Son Libre to Launch in Beirut May 17th
KED Beirut and Beirut & Beyond launch new series with Zaid Khaled, Glitter55, Koast, and Ziad Naboulsi on May 17. May 14, 2025 In Beirut, where sound has long been a means of resistance and reinvention, a new concert series is carving out its own space. KED Beirut and Beirut & Beyond have teamed up to launch Littérature du Son Libre, a live music experience set on grounding experimental, independent sounds in a city constantly on the edge. This is a movement toward self-determined scenes that run on their own rhythm, not global trends. The first edition kicks off Saturday, May 17 at KED. At the center: Jordanian indie singer Zaid Khaled, joined by Tunisian rapper Koast and DJ Ziad Naboulsi, with Moroccan producer Glitter55 on closing duties. Expect everything from trap to chaâbi to indie. In a time of limited support and shrinking cultural space, this series offers an independent platform for artists across the region and beyond. The goal is clear: monthly shows that are accessible, professionally produced, and rooted in the moment. Tickets available on KED Beirut's Instagram Bio.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
China Likely To Remove Ban On Korean Dramas, Movies & K-Pop As Early As May
We've heard this before, and nothing came to pass, but the signs are looking positive that mainland China is finally removing its unofficial ban on Korean culture and content, possibly as early as this May. The loosening of restrictions appears to signal China's shift away from a 'wolf warrior' diplomatic policy towards a 'smile policy' aimed at easing anti-China sentiments around the world. The move could also be interpreted as a response to the volatility of the current Donald Trump administration, which is threatening tariffs on many nations, although the U.S. President's approach towards China has not yet been made clear. More from Deadline Veteran Korean Actor Kwon Hae-hyo Talks 30-Year Career & Hong Sang-soo's 'What Does That Nature Say to You' - Berlin Film Festival Vivian Qu Talks Feminist Thriller 'Girls On Wire' & Frenzied Berlin Red Carpet As Fans Go Wild For Wen Qi & Liu Haocun: "The Screaming Was Louder Than For Timothée" 'Ne Zha 2' Becomes Highest-Grossing Animated Movie Ever, Tops $1.7B China started to restrict the distribution of Korean music, movies, dramas, games and all other forms of pop culture in 2016 in retaliation to South Korea's deployment of U.S. THAAD missile defense systems. Although Beijing has never officially acknowledged the ban, very few Korean movies or dramas have been released in Chinese cinemas or on streaming platforms and K-pop artists have not been allowed to perform in the country. According to the Korea Economic Daily (KED), a senior official handling China's preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, set to take place in China in 2026, said the Chinese government sees the need to strengthen cooperation with Korea: 'Starting next month, we will send a private-level cultural delegation to South Korea as the first step toward expanding cultural exchanges, aiming to fully resume cultural cooperation as early as May,' the official told KED. It may also signal China's need to shore up its box office market. Despite the current success of record-breaking animation Nezha 2, the country's box office was down by a punishing 23% last year, with a lack of product cited as one of the major reasons. Although China is not currently placing restrictions on Hollywood movies, the 2023 strikes resulted in a reduced pipeline of tentpole releases, which has had an adverse impact on China's box office, despite the popularity of local films. Korea's entertainment market has also suffered as a result of the ban – the KDB Future Strategy Research Institute recently estimated that it caused damages of up to $15.3BN (KRW22TR) to related Korean industries in 2017, according to the KED report. Shares of K-pop companies Hybe, JYP Entertainment and SM Entertainment have surged to new yearly highs in response to the news. Hybe's share price is currently trading at an annual high of KRW254,000. Korean drama producers A Story (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) and CJ ENM's Studio Dragon also saw a bump in their share price on the news. Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho's Mickey 17, which recently had its world premiere at the Berlin film festival, is scheduled for China release on March 7, but then the film is a Warner Bros production and China has not previously restricted U.S. content due to the involvement of Korean nationals. Best of Deadline 'Severance' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Land On Apple TV+? All The Songs In 'Severance' Season 2: From The Who To Ella Fitzgerald 'Severance' Cast Through Seasons 1 & 2: Innies, Outies, Severed And Unsevered
Express Tribune
25-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
The Chinese Government Might Lift the Ban on Korean Dramas, K-Pop & Korean Movies By May
After nearly a decade of restrictions, there are strong signals that China may soon lift its unofficial ban on Korean entertainment, with reports suggesting the embargo could end as early as May. This marks a potential shift in China's diplomatic approach from its previous "wolf warrior" policy to a more conciliatory 'smile policy,' aimed at easing global anti-China sentiment. Notably, this move could also be linked to the evolving political landscape, as the United States under President Trump has threatened tariffs on several countries, making China's diplomatic strategy more fluid. The ban on Korean cultural exports began in 2016, when China reacted to South Korea's decision to deploy the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. Despite never officially acknowledging the embargo, China restricted Korean music, movies, television dramas, and games. The result was a sharp decrease in the availability of Korean content on Chinese streaming platforms and cinemas, and the suspension of K-pop performances in the country. In a recent report from the Korea Economic Daily (KED), an unnamed senior official revealed that China's government plans to ease restrictions and initiate cultural exchanges with South Korea in the near future. "Starting next month, we will send a private-level cultural delegation to South Korea as the first step toward expanding cultural exchanges, aiming to fully resume cultural cooperation as early as May," the official said. This apparent thaw in relations may also reflect China's need to bolster its flagging box office. Last year, China's box office revenue dropped by 23%, largely due to a lack of international content, including Hollywood films, following the 2023 strikes. With a decreased pipeline of major movie releases, China's cinema market has taken a hit. In contrast, local films, including the animation 'Nezha 2,' have performed well, but the overall market decline has drawn attention to the necessity of increasing content diversity. The cultural freeze has had equally serious consequences for South Korea's entertainment industry, with the KDB Future Strategy Research Institute estimating a loss of up to $15.3 billion (KRW22 trillion) in 2017 alone due to the ban. The market also saw notable financial implications for companies such as K-pop powerhouse Hybe, JYP Entertainment, and SM Entertainment. Since news of the potential ban lift emerged, shares in these companies have surged, with Hybe reaching an annual high of KRW254,000. Notably, Korean director Bong Joon Ho's latest film Mickey 17, which had its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, is scheduled for release in China on March 7. While Mickey 17 is a Warner Bros. production, the film's connection to Korean talent has not been an issue for China, as restrictions have mainly targeted South Korean content rather than international films with Korean involvement. The gradual reopening of China's cultural market could not only signal a diplomatic shift but also offer much-needed relief for both Korean and Chinese entertainment industries, providing a potential new avenue for collaboration and growth.
