Actors’ fan meeting in China canceled amid political rumors

SEOUL, Aug. 4 (Yonhap) — A fan meeting in China for two top South Korean actors has been canceled, an official said Thursday, fanning concerns of a growing political row between the countries.

Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, the lead actor and actress in the KBS drama “Uncontrollably Fond,” were scheduled to hold a fan meeting in China on Saturday but the event’s organizers canceled it for “reasons out of their control,” an official at the series’ production company Samhwa Networks said.

“We were told by Youku on Wednesday that it’s been postponed,” the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

“Uncontrollably Fond” has been shown simultaneously in South Korea and on the Chinese video site Youku.

“The fan meeting was planned in advance so there were no issues with the planning,” the official added, saying it has been difficult to determine the exact reason.

Speculation has grown that the Chinese government may use economic and other means to retaliate for South Korea’s recent decision to place an advanced U.S. missile defense system on its soil.

Some reports have claimed that Beijing will limit the activities of South Korean celebrities in China, where they enjoy a large fan base.

The official said he is aware of the reports but careful about jumping to conclusions.

Kim Woo-bin (L) and Bae Suzy.