China tightens "freeze" law
According to Xinhua News Agency, in 2021, China's National Radio and Television Promotion Directorate (NRTA) and the country's official media outlets carried out a large-scale campaign to clean up the entertainment industry.
This campaign includes measures to ban artists with personal scandals, investigate many entertainment companies and film production units, and closely monitor and inspect artists' activities.
For stars involved in ethical scandals and law violations, the direct action is to delete all data about that person on social networks or movie viewing platforms, award ceremonies, events...
The period of prohibition ranges from several years to permanent, depending on the severity and negative impact on society.
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said the controls were introduced to tighten work related to the management of entertainment stars' online information.
The notice also prohibits the act of “whitewashing” a celebrity’s image if they have violated the law or engaged in behavior considered immoral.
In addition, the CAC said that extensive reporting on stars’ performances in dramas, music, and charity work will also be restricted. Information related to the above activities must be carried out “naturally” and not exaggerated.
Faced with painful showbiz issues such as tax evasion, drug use, law violations, sensitive statements... NRTA said it has zero tolerance for artists with deviant behavior or unethical actions.
Many stars like Kris Wu, Zhang Zhehan, Li Yifeng... all lost their careers, had all their schedules canceled, and all their images removed after being involved in scandals.
Sina newspaper commented: "For weak artists, the public cannot give them a chance to come back. Forgiving them again and again only makes them more irresponsible."
South Korea takes tough action against artists with scandals
In recent years, the Korean entertainment industry has also taken measures to ban and punish artists involved in scandals.
According to the Korea Times, the reasons why artists and celebrities are banned from broadcasting or performing in Korea include: violating legal regulations; scandals about personal life, ethics or indirectly promoting the wrongdoings of others.
The duration of the ban can be from several years to permanent and is implemented by radio and television stations, artist management companies, media companies, advertising companies, etc.
Central television stations such as KBS, SBS, and MBC also have their own Evaluation Council to review, inspect, and decide to suspend individuals involved in scandals from broadcasting.
The image of a star appearing at the police station, being escorted and bowing before the media is no longer strange. That shows the terrible pressure and supervision of the media and public opinion on artists.
Artists involved in drugs, marijuana use, military service evasion, theft, sexual harassment, assault, criminal or civil charges or disturbing public order will be banned from appearing in public.
The Broadcasting Act in Korea currently does not provide any regulations restricting artists from appearing on public broadcasts.
Broadcasting bans are implemented by radio and television stations, advertising and entertainment companies to maintain their reputation.
However, in 2023, the Chairman of the Korean Communications Committee said that the Korean government will review and implement more drastic ban measures, according to Yonhap.
