LE SSERAFIM Shanghai event is cancelled, potentially due to political tensions
LE SSERAFIM has become the latest group affected by escalating political tensions in East Asia, as K-pop events in China are facing cancellations possibly related to the worsening relations between China and Japan. On December 13, 2025, it was confirmed that LE SSERAFIM canceled their Shanghai fan signing event for their single Spaghetti, originally slated for December 14. The organizing committee cited unavoidable force majeure and issued an apology to fans, while stating that compensation measures are still under discussion.
LE SSERAFIM 1st Single Album 'SPAGHETTI' Fan Signing & Photo Event in Shanghai has been canceled due to unavoidable circumstances
— It was originally scheduled for December 14#LE_SSERAFIM #르세라핌 pic.twitter.com/dhDzKo1cI1
— FIMBASE (@FIMBASE) December 12, 2025
“Due to unavoidable force majeure, we have decided to cancel the event after careful discussions with relevant departments. Compensation measures for the cancellation are currently being confirmed with relevant departments. We deeply regret the cancellation and sincerely apologize to fans who have waited for a long time.”
The worsened China-Japan relationship is affecting Japanese entertainment
LE SSERAFIM'S fansign canceled in China due to Japanese members in the teamhttps://t.co/LOBUFx1GVj pic.twitter.com/r4w2LSKeQX
— pannchoa (@pannchoa) December 12, 2025
Following the cancellation, speculation quickly spread due to the group’s lineup and their nationalities. LE SSERAFIM includes Japanese members Sakura and Kazha, which has drawn attention amid the rise of the so-called Han Il Order, a movement in China aimed at limiting cultural exchanges with Japan. It has been said that this was the main reason for the cancellation of the event, although it has not been confirmed. The trend has also affected other KPop groups, with Close Your Eyes having a fan meeting in Hangzhou without Japanese member Kenshin on December 6.
Cancellations throughout China and the absences of Japanese group members
Similar disruptions happened the same day when a Shanghai fan meeting featuring trainees from Mnet’s Boys II Planet was abruptly canceled, again citing force majeure. These cancellations come as tensions intensified following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. China has since responded with cultural restrictions, including performance bans. A striking example occurred on November 28, 2025, when Japanese singer Otsuki Maki, 52, was forced offstage mid-performance in Shanghai.
