Vietnamese Authorities Permit Performances Following Boycott Over Disputed "Nine-Dash Line"

​Courtesy of YG Entertainment

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Despite a recent uproar over the use of a controversial map by its concert organizer, K-pop sensation BLACKPINK is set to go ahead with its highly anticipated performances in Hanoi. The People's Council of Hanoi has granted permission for the girl group to hold concerts at the My Dinh National Stadium on July 29 and 30, as reported by Vietnamese media outlets on Tuesday. The decision comes in the wake of a boycott initiated by some Vietnamese citizens, objecting to the appearance of the "nine-dash line" on promotional materials used by the Beijing-based concert organizer, iMe Entertainment.

The "nine-dash line," a representation derived from Chinese maps dating back to the 1940s, lays claim to a substantial portion of the South China Sea, encompassing approximately 90 percent of its territory. However, this claim is hotly disputed by several Southeast Asian countries neighboring China, including Vietnam, which considers the assertion as "baseless" and contrary to international law.

Following public outcry and concerns raised by Vietnamese authorities, Pham Thu Hang, the spokesperson for Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made a statement during a press briefing on July 6, stating that the promotion and use of products or publications featuring the nine-dash line within Vietnam constitute a "violation of the law." In response, Vietnam's culture ministry launched an investigation into the matter.

In response to the controversy, iMe Entertainment issued an official apology and promptly removed the disputed map from its promotional materials. Brian Chow, the CEO of iMe Entertainment, emphasized the company's commitment to respecting the sovereignty and culture of all countries where they operate. He assured that the organization conducted a swift internal review and pledged to replace any images deemed inappropriate to the Vietnamese community.

The concerts in Hanoi are highly anticipated by BLACKPINK's devoted Vietnamese fans, and the group's performance is expected to draw significant attention and excitement across the nation. Despite the recent controversy, fans eagerly anticipate the show, hoping for a memorable and electrifying experience.

As the performances approach, all eyes will be on how BLACKPINK's concerts in Hanoi unfold, with attention to the group's artistic prowess and the impact of the recent map-related dispute on the overall concert experience.

Sayart.net 

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com