Soprano Sumi Jo's performances canceled in China

SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean soprano Sumi Jo's concerts in China have been canceled in what is believed to be China's retaliation against Seoul's plan to deploy an advanced U.S. missile defense system on its soil, the singer said Tuesday.

"I'd like to tell you that my tour in China has been canceled. I have prepared for the concerts for the past two years and they didn't even give me a reason (for the cancellation)," the Grammy-winning Korean diva wrote on her Twitter account. "It is very unfortunate to see the tensions between the two countries spill over into the pure cultural and art sectors."

She was supposed to perform in three Chinese cities -- Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai -- starting from Feb. 19. But she had been waiting for more than five weeks for a visa from the Chinese government.

The development is likely to stoke concerns among South Korean cultural and entertainment industries, already reeling from Beijing's move to target them in protest against Seoul's decision last year to bring in the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

Top pianist Paik Kun-woo's performance with China's Guiyang Symphony Orchestra, slated for March 18, was also canceled. On the official website of the orchestra, Paik has been replaced by a Chinese pianist.

Besides the cultural sector, China is seen as targeting South Korean-made products in retaliation of THAAD.

jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
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