Concerns Over Chinese Influence Raised as South Korea Blocks US Performing Arts Company
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who assumed office in 2022, made campaign promises to strengthen ties with the United States and take a tougher stance against Beijing. However, these commitments are now being tested as a result of the Chinese Communist Party’s influence on cultural exchange between the United States and South Korea. The CCP has reportedly pressured two major theaters in Seoul to reject the bid of the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts company to perform in South Korea. The CCP sees Shen Yun as a threat because it showcases authentic Chinese culture before communist rule. Internal documents reveal that the Chinese Embassy in South Korea has been engaged in an intimidation campaign against theaters and the South Korean government regarding Shen Yun’s performances. While the CCP’s efforts to obstruct Shen Yun have failed in most countries, South Korea has succumbed to its threats, potentially damaging its reputation as a reliable ally to the United States. The CCP’s influence tactics have proven successful in South Korea, revealing the extent of Chinese infiltration in the country. This situation serves as a “litmus test” for South Korea’s allegiance to the United States. Previous incidents have demonstrated how the CCP has exerted pressure on South Korean theaters, resulting in abrupt cancellations and U-turn decisions. Local officials and theater staff fear repercussions and, as a result, engage in self-censorship. The situation in South Korea highlights the vulnerability of a free democracy to external pressure and the need for society to be cautious and aware of China’s influence tactics.
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