The upcoming "Unexpected Love" film, starring EXO's Lay and f(x)'s Krystal, has not been affected by the rising tension between South Korea and China over Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).
On Aug. 8, Monday, China's General Office of Broadcasting and Television issued an authorization for "Unexpected Love" film to premiere in the country, according to a local news outlet EDaily, as cited by The Kpop Herald. The film, directed by Seong Si-Heup, will hit Chinese theaters in fall this year.
"Unexpected Love" recounts the story of a top Chinese vocalist, Han Bing (EXO's Lay) and a Korean dancer, Fei Yan. The two achieve success in both career and love through dancing. The film also stars UNIQ's Wang Yibo and "Come Back Mister" actor Park In-Hwan.
"The film's success is highly expected by investors, as the two stars, Lay and Krystal, have high profiles in the country," SM Entertainment representative said in a statement obtained by The Korea Times. It added that both Krystal and Lay was cast in the film because of their excellent dancing skills and prior acting experience.
This came after several local news outlets claimed that the upcoming Chinese TV drama "Graduation Season,' starring Krystal and Chinese actor Deng Lun, had been banned from airing in China. In the drama, Krystal plays an independent fashion designer, Ye Ran, who is the breadwinner in the family.
The said claims stemmed from the newly implemented guideline from China's General Office of Broadcasting and Television, which restricts Korean celebrities from having activities on air. They are also banned from holding concerts with more than 10,000 audiences.
The new statewide ban is reportedly a form of retaliation to South Korea's THAAD deal with the United States. Further, this new prohibition is predicted to vigorously affect the Hallyu stars scheduled projects, concerts and fan-and-meet event in China.
Check out "Unexpected Love's" press conference below for more information: