aespa, RIIZE, and NCT Wish Win Multiple Awards at China’s TIMA Ceremony, Signaling Easing of Hanban Restrictions

K-pop groups have won awards consecutively at a ceremony hosted by China’s largest music platform, indicating signs that the previously strict Hanban (Korean Wave restriction) policies are easing. The “2025 TIMA” (TMElive International Music Awards), held from August 22 to 23 at the Macau Galaxy Arena, is a major music award show organized by China’s largest music platform, Tencent Music Entertainment Group. At this ceremony, aespa claimed three awards, including International Group of the Year, International Digital Album of the Year, and International Digital EP of the Year. During the event, aespa performed hits such as “Dirty Work,” “Whiplash,” and “Supernova,” receiving enthusiastic responses from local fans. RIIZE won the Breakthrough International Group of the Year award and performed songs like “Fly Up,” “Boom Boom Bass,” “Get A Guitar,” and “Bag Bad Back.” NCT Wish received the Rising International Group of the Year award and delivered performances of tracks such as “Surf” and “poppop.” In addition, several other K-pop groups including 82Major, STAYC, ILLIT, and Hearts2Hearts were invited to perform at the ceremony. ILLIT showcased “Magnetic” and their latest song “빌려온 고양이” in front of local audiences. These developments are being interpreted as signals that China is relaxing its restrictions on Korean Wave content. China had imposed complete bans on Korean Wave content since 2016 in protest against the deployment of THAAD systems, but recent trends show increasing momentum in cultural exchanges between the two countries. Concrete steps toward cooperation include Tencent becoming one of SM Entertainment’s top two shareholders and HYBE, BTS’s agency, establishing a local subsidiary in China. China’s authorities’ announcement that they will partially open up the import and distribution of foreign dramas and other content also fits within this context. With President Xi Jinping’s potential visit to South Korea in October under discussion, there is keen interest in whether further easing of Hanban restrictions will be officially announced. However, caution still prevails within the industry due to frequent last-minute cancellations of performances and exhibitions. Past instances include the cancellation of rock band Seusumi’s concert in Beijing last year, EPEX’s performance this year, and G-Dragon’s exhibition.