Chinese Youth Culture: From K-Pop Influence to Homegrown Hallyu Trends

In recent years, Chinese youth culture has undergone a fascinating transformation—once heavily influenced by K-pop and Korean dramas, today's young generation is embracing homegrown trends with fierce pride. While BTS and Blackpink still have millions of fans across China, a new wave of domestic idols, fashion icons, and digital creators are reshaping the cultural landscape.

According to a 2023 report by iResearch, over 68% of Gen Z in China now prefer local idol groups like INTO1 and THE9 over foreign acts. Why? Because these artists speak their language—literally and culturally. They blend modern pop with traditional elements, such as Hanfu-inspired stage costumes or lyrics rooted in classical poetry.

Let’s break down how this shift happened and what it means for the future of youth expression in China.

The K-Pop Era: A Gateway to Global Pop Culture

Back in the early 2010s, K-pop was king. Platforms like Weibo and Bilibili were flooded with fan edits of EXO, Girls’ Generation, and later, BTS. The polished choreography, high-budget MVs, and strong fan communities created a blueprint for idol culture in China.

But politics and public sentiment shifted. After the THAAD missile dispute in 2017, Chinese regulators unofficially restricted Korean entertainment content. Overnight, K-pop concerts vanished, and Korean stars disappeared from variety shows. This created a vacuum—and Chinese entertainment companies stepped in fast.

Rise of the Domestic Idol Industry

Enter survival shows like Youth With You and Create Camp. Modeled after Korea’s Produce 101, these programs allowed fans to vote for their favorite trainees, creating emotional investment and viral moments. In 2021, Youth With You 3 hit 5 billion views before being abruptly canceled due to a milk-wasting scandal—proof of both its popularity and growing scrutiny.

Still, the model worked. Groups like R1SE and SNH48 gained massive followings, supported by fan clubs that organize lightstick events, charity drives, and even subway ad campaigns.

Cultural Identity Meets Digital Innovation

What sets Chinese youth trends apart now is the fusion of tradition and tech. Take virtual idols like Luo Tianyi, a Vocaloid-powered star with over 3 million followers on Bilibili. She performs at real concerts using holograms and collaborates with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton.

Meanwhile, short video platforms like Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese cousin) fuel micro-trends—from guo chao (‘nation’s tide’) fashion that reimagines ancient styles, to dance challenges set to folk remixes.

Data Snapshot: Youth Cultural Preferences (2023)

As the data shows, localization isn’t just a trend—it’s the new normal.

What’s Next?

The era of blind imitation is over. Chinese Gen Z isn’t rejecting global influences—they’re redefining them. Whether it’s blending Peking opera with EDM or launching eco-conscious streetwear lines, they’re building a culture that’s uniquely theirs.

So while K-pop opened the door, China’s youth are now designing the whole house. And trust us, it’s fire.