The Dilemma of the Chinese Foreign Cultural Policy Through the ‘限韓令(a government ban on Hallyu)’

Abstract

In 2016, when the South Korean government made a decision on the placement of the THAAD missiles, the Chinese government immediately took corrective action, which was mainly centered on sanctions on hallyu, which is called the ‘限韓令(a government ban on Hallyu)’. The reason for the ‘限韓令’ is that it is exploiting ‘culture’ as a means of international politics. The thesis is aimed at critically reviewing the effectiveness of the ‘限韓令’ in the two major aspects of the foreign cultural policy, namely, ‘Cultural Security and Soft Power’ pursued by the Chinese government in the 21st century. In terms of cultural security, ‘限韓令’ seems to have failed to gain a significant effect. In terms of the ideological aspects of cultural security, in terms of cultural identity, ‘限韓令’ has been an effective policy tool. Through official or informal channels, Hallyu contents continued to circulate throughout China. Chinese’s interest in hallyu also showed little difference compared to the mere past. Also, the economic aspect of the content industry is not too big for the overall economic aspect of the economy. On the other hand, in the soft power aspect of the Chinese foreign policy keynote, Especially in terms of improving the nation’s image, only the ‘限韓令’ has led to the worst results. Regarding the future of Korea and China relations in the future, Far too many Koreans have begun to regard China as a rival or threat rather than a partner. Far too many Koreans chose America rather than China as a more important country in the future. However, the result was a completely contrary situation just a year ago. It seems that China’s foreign policy, which was viewed through only ‘限韓令’ is facing a curious dilemma. The Chinese government still recognizes ‘culture’ in terms of direct national interests, The Chinese government aggressively pushes ahead with inroads into Chinese culture, while imposing sanctions on foreign cultures. The Chinese government’s foreign policy can be recognized as another ‘hegemony’ in the international community.