Photo: Screenshot of Douban

China has imported and distributed many South Korean movies and TV dramas since last year, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, refuting allegations of the existence of a "restriction" policy on South Korean entertainment content, when asked about media reports that Chinese regulators had allowed South Korean movies to be streamed "after a six-year suspension."

In response to the question whether more South Korean movies and TV dramas will be approved for distribution in China in the future, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian reiterated at a regular press briefing on Wednesday that there has never been a so-called ban on South Korean entertainment content on China's part and China is open to cultural and people-to-people exchange with South Korea. 

"China has introduced multiple films and TV series from the ROK and made them available to the Chinese audience," Zhao said. 

Chinese video platforms have launched more South Korean films and TV shows. The South Korean film, Hotel by the River, is streaming on a video platform in China, and more than 10 South Korean TV dramas have been available on other Chinese video platforms including Youku since the first half of 2022. 

Zhao said that during their bilateral meeting on the margins of the G20 Summit, presidents of two countries had an in-depth exchange of views on China-South Korea relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached a series of important common understandings, which have pointed the direction for China-South Korea relations.

China is ready to work with South Korea to follow through on the important common understandings of the two presidents and deepen bilateral ties, said Zhao, stressing that cooperation is a two-way street. "We hope South Korea will continue to work with China for more robust cultural exchange and stronger mutual understanding and friendship between our two countries."