Shen Yun Debuts in Korea after Chinese Regime's Attempted Interference

NTDTV: Video - New York based Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company began the Asian leg of its 2011 season in Busan, Korea on Wednesday. But according to the local co-presenter of the show, the classical Chinese dance and music company was faced with some pressure before its debut.

[Se-yeol Oh, Spokesman of Falun Dafa Association of Korea]:
“On January 19 and 20, the Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company was scheduled to perform at the Busan Cultural Center. But the Chinese Communist regime’s Consulate General pressured Busan city to terminate the theatre rental agreement.”

On Sunday the co-presenters of the show, that is, the Falun Dafa Association of Korea and local residents condemned the attempted interference at a press conference in front of the Chinese regime’s Consulate General in Busan.

[Mr. Choi Woo-Won, Philosophy Professor, Pusan National University]:
“This is a rude behavior towards the people of Busan, and belittles the Korean Government. It’s a wicked action that completely goes against international standards.”

NTD Television is a media sponsor of many of Shen Yun’s performances around the world. This is not the first time the Chinese regime has tried to stop Shen Yun’s shows from going ahead. Dozens of attempted interference by Chinese consulates worldwide have been documented, including some by the U.S. State Department.

Despite the interference, the Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company was warmly welcomed when they arrived in Busan on Monday. The company’s assistant manager Mr. Guan Guimin told the Epoch Times newspaper that Shen Yun’s mission in reviving traditional Chinese culture is feared by the Chinese Communist Party.

The Falun Dafa Association of Korea said on Sunday that the Busan Cultural Center’s rental termination is invalid. It then sought a court order to ensure the performances went ahead as planned.

Related:

Chinese Regime Fails to Stop South Korean Shen Yun Shows: ET