Some members of TREASURE will be absent from the group’s upcoming Shanghai fansign event, raising concerns among fans amid ongoing political tensions between China and Japan.
TREASURE was scheduled to hold a fansign and photo event in Shanghai on December 20 to commemorate the release of their third mini album, 'LOVE PULSE.' However, members Yoshi, Asahi, and Haruto will not be participating in the event.
MAKESTAR, the event organizer, announced the news through its official social media channels, stating, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, some members will be unable to attend the event.” The company issued an apology to fans, adding, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the absence of some members. Details regarding additional compensation will be provided via email.” No specific explanation was given beyond citing “unavoidable circumstances.”
Following the announcement, speculation has spread among fans that the decision may be linked to the recent escalation of diplomatic and political tensions between China and Japan. The controversy intensified as the list of absent members includes Japanese nationals Asahi and Haruto, as well as Yoshi, who is a fourth-generation Zainichi Korean despite holding South Korean nationality.
Concerns are also growing that the impact of China-Japan tensions may be extending across the broader K-pop industry. Girl group LE SSERAFIM recently faced a similar situation when their Shanghai fansign event was abruptly canceled.
LE SSERAFIM had planned to hold a fansign in Shanghai on December 14 to celebrate the release of their first single. MAKESTAR later announced the cancellation, explaining that it was made “after careful discussions with relevant departments due to unavoidable circumstances.” As with TREASURE’s case, no detailed reason was disclosed.
LE SSERAFIM includes two Japanese members, Sakura and Kazuha, out of its five-member lineup. Industry insiders have cautiously suggested that the presence of Japanese members may have influenced the decision amid the heightened China-Japan diplomatic climate.
While small-scale fan meetings and fansign events have continued in China despite the long-standing “Hallyu ban,” recent cases indicate that teams with Japanese members are now also being affected. This has led to growing anxiety within the industry over whether a so-called “Korea-Japan ban” could be emerging alongside existing restrictions.
As multinational lineups have become the norm in K-pop, concerns are mounting that geopolitical conflicts are beginning to directly impact artists’ activities. Observers note that such developments could become a significant variable for K-pop promotions and events in China going forward.
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