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Why are Chinese fans angry at DKZ? DKZ’s label apologizes for Taiwan controversy

Dongkiz’s label, Dongkyo Entertainment apologizes to Chinese fans for posting about China and Taiwan as different countries, Taiwanese fans are unhappy

The China vs South Korea debate seems to have come to a temporary halt but another significant issue has brought down a K-pop label, showing the capacity in which the Chinese market influences K-pop. Dongyo Entertainment, the label that manages the activities of the boy group DKZ (Dongkiz), posted an announcement for a fan-signing event on April 12, in which Chinese fans of the group noticed that the event was marked separately for China and Taiwan.

Chinese fans, who believe that Taiwan is a part of China, expressed their outrage at Dongyo Entertainment calling them out for their error. Dongyo Entertainment is home to the seven-member boy group DKZ which was formerly known as Dongkiz. Jaechan, a member of the group, recently starred in the BL drama, ‘Semantic Error’, and ever since, the popularity of the boy group has been sky-soaring. With two former members of the group leaving and three new members being added to their lineup, DKZ has been under a lot of pressure.

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DKZ’s label apologizes to Chinese fans

On April 12, Dongyo Entertainment posted its official statement about the controversy to avoid more scrutiny from Chinese fans. The label said, “We also apologize to the Chinese fans who must have been deeply hurt by our ignorance.” They also stated that because the event was held through various outlets other than South Korea alone, they were not able to accurately check the contents of the Twitter post. The label promised that they will try their best to prevent any future incidents that will cause concern among fans.

The label continued to state that they will be, “studying and understanding the national characteristics, culture, and history of the foreign companies” that they interact with to ensure a peaceful interaction for fans and artists. The apology had Chinese fans at peace but Taiwanese fans of the group have started expressing their discomfort with the label now. One fan said, “They shouldnt apologize for saying a country exists. It doesnt belong to china.”

‘Do not ruin their career’

One fan said, “Even if they support Taiwan behind the scenes, Korean companies will always be “One China” because at the end, this is their job and they will side with the one that gives them money the most.” Another fan said, “Chinese fans stop it already, the agency had apologize so please stop now!” One fan said, “TBH I don't care what the company's political stand is. I just hope that DONGYO can be more professional next time when promoting DKZ, do not dwell in the issue of politics, STAY IN the entertainment field, PLEASE. DO NOT RUIN THE CHILDREN'S CAREER.”

One fan explained, “Why china fans are mad BEFORE this statement is cause they see taiwan as part of china not a different country. Why taiwan fans are mad AFTER this statement is because they apologised and accepted that they made a mistake of splitting taiwan from china.means dongyo sided with chn.” Another fan said, “This is honestly a sensitive topic & seeing how all of you are so thankful they responded, im sure you dont know how sensitive this topic is for both side. Taking one side means youre abandoning another. China fans say taiwan is part of china. Taiwan say taiwan is their own country.”

One Korean fan of DKZ said, “Do you really think you will be able to succeed in Korea if you have an image of a pro-Chinese group? Decide where to focus. Where all the members are Korean, are you going to make Korean popularity go down and only fight for ever?” Another asked, “Did you see the reaction of CN fans now? If you apologized for once, you’ll need to apologize a million times, they’ll NEVER satisfied.”