SEOUL: A South Korean actress is promoting cosmetics on China's biggest online mall, in a subtle sign of easing diplomatic tension that has seen once-ubiquitous South Korean celebrities vanish from Chinese marketing campaigns. Jun's appearance comes toward the end of a year in which South Korea's entertainment industry suffered a drop in Chinese demand for South Korean cultural exports. South Korean celebrities soon reported being unable to attend promotional events and having work visa applications delayed, officials at South Korean talent agencies told Reuters. "Chinese TV ads featuring South Korean celebrities were suddenly dropped and new ones aired with Chinese celebrities," said a director of a South Korean talent agency, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. "We haven't seen any immediate tangible change, but we hope the agreement will have a positive impact on future cultural exchange," South Korean entertainment and media firm CJ E&M Corp told Reuters.

Source: New Strait Times November 13, 2017 15:22 UTC