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'Descendants of The Sun 2' Release Date, Spoilers & News: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo to be Banned; Why The Hit South Korean Drama & Lee Min-ho's 'The Legend of The Blue Sea' are in Trouble in China

KBS has already confirmed that the "Descendants of the Sun" will be coming back for its second season in 2017. But the highly anticipated return of the hit South Korean military drama series may face the challenge of reaching out to its Chinese followers.

South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports that two sources working at TV stations in Guangdong province revealed that they received mandates to set aside plans of airing entertainment programs featuring South Korean popstars. This order is set to affect Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo's "Descendants of the Sun 2," Lee Min-ho's "The Legend of the Blue Sea" and other entertainment shows from South Korea that are slated to be aired in China.

The Reason Behind Banning South Korean Popstars

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According to SCMP's sources, the order to ban all incoming South Korean entertainment programs were relayed verbally by the officials of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, the agency responsible of regulating Chinese television content. They added that although there was no written order from the Chinese administration, TV stations were already warned ahead that the TV regulator will not grant approval to the airing of incoming South Korean entertainment programs.

The sources linked the blanket ban on South Korean popstars to the looming tension between South Korea and China. They disclosed that the Chinese government was upset with South Korea after Seoul deployed a US-made anti-missile defense system, which the Chinese administration deemed a threat to the country's security.

As of press time, the foreign ministry of China did not make a public statement regarding the alleged ban on entertainment shows from South Korea. It also did not respond to requests for comment about the issue.

The Popularity of South Korean Entertainment Programs

South Korean entertainment programs have earned massive success in China since late 1990s. According to the Straits Times, the "Descendants of the Sun" became a huge hit in China despite the warnings of the government that there are corresponding dangers in watching such show.

Moreover, the Inquisitr reports that Lee Min-ho's comedy-drama film "Bounty Hunters" enjoyed a box office success in the country. The actor is currently filming the television drama series "The Legend of the Blue Sea," which is also scheduled to be aired in Chinese televisions.

With the blanket ban on Korean entertainment programs, Chinese fans were worried that the "Descendants of the Sun 2" and "The Legend of the Blue Sea" will not be shown in the country. Aside from the entertainment programs, South Korean endorsements, commercials and music are also reportedly included in the blanket ban.

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