2025 Dream Concert in China Postponed Amid Ongoing K-pop Restrictions

The 2025 Dream Concert, which was scheduled to take place in Hainan, China, on September 26, has been postponed. The Korea Entertainment Producers Association (KEPA) confirmed the news on September 11, clarifying that the event was delayed rather than canceled. Participating artists’ agencies were also informed that it is a postponement, not a termination of plans.

This year’s Dream Concert carried added significance as it marked the 30th anniversary of the event. It began in 1995 and has since grown into one of the largest annual gatherings in K-pop. It also drew attention as it would have been the first large-scale K-pop concert in mainland China in nearly nine years.

 Since 2016, when the Chinese government began limiting Korean entertainment following the THAAD missile defense dispute, major K-pop concerts in China have been virtually absent. While Beijing has never officially declared a ban, the strict approval process for Korean cultural content has effectively restricted such events.

There had been signs of easing this year. In May, HYBE, home to BTS and other leading groups, opened its first office in Beijing.

Plus, Chinese regulators allowed more Korean games and small entertainment activities to proceed, and some K-pop groups received approval for fan meetings and promotional events. However, several of these efforts have ended in last-minute cancellations. 

In May, boy group EPEX planned to hold a concert in Fuzhou, which would have been the first solo show by a Korean group in mainland China in almost a decade. The concert was abruptly called off, with the agency citing unavoidable local circumstances. Kep1er also received approval for a fan concert but later faced postponement.

KEPA emphasized that the Dream Concert has not been canceled outright, and a new date will be set in the future.

Meanwhile, K-pop fans can look forward to the Dream Concert Abu Dhabi edition on November 22, featuring ATEEZ, Red Velvet, tripleS, All(H)ours, and more.

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