Chinese Customs 'Boycotting Bangtan Boys' over Korean War Remarks

Parcel delivery companies in China appear to be restricting merchandise of Korean super boy band Bangtan Boys, also known as BTS, after a patriotic storm in a teacup swelled to a tsunami.

A post claiming to be from the Korean branch of parcel delivery service ZTO Express was widely circulated on Chinese social media on Tuesday. It said, "Due to the controversy surrounding BTS, the General Administration of Customs of China has come up with a new policy of strictly inspecting printed materials and character products. As a result, we limit the delivery of BTS and other idol-related products to two boxes per person." 

But the branch denied it posted the message.

YTO Express, another parcel delivery company in China, told one customer it does "not recommend" the import of BTS merchandise because it could be confiscated in customs.

Earlier, the Korean branch of Chinese parcel delivery company Yunda Express said on Weibo, "There are many inquiries related to the delivery of BTS goods. However, we have suspended deliveries on all BTS related items currently."

The latest chicanery was prompted by remarks earlier this month of BTS leader RM in an acceptance speech at the General James A. Van Fleet Award, which promotes South Korean-American relations. "We will always remember the history of pain that our two nations share together and sacrifices of countless men and women," RM said.

Fragile Chinese netizens noted that about 1 million Chinese soldiers also died in the 1950-1953 Korean War, though they were apparently unaware that they were fighting on the side of the aggressor, North Korea.