Say My Name: China's K-Pop U-Turn - A Heisenbergian Comeback?

A Chemical Imbalance?

So China's suddenly got a hankering for K Pop huh? After all these years of the silent treatment feels a little like a ricin cigarette – unexpected and potentially explosive. Word on the street is they're easing up on the ban they slapped on Korean pop music back in '16. Something about missile defense systems but who's counting? This sudden change of heart… well it smells like desperation. Like Skyler trying to understand my 'business.' They say it's to boost their economy. Seems legit. After all everyone loves to 'Fly High' with K pop... I bet they'll call me when they need to be 'cooking' something special again.

Consumption: It's Elementary My Dear China

Apparently China's consumer spending is flatter than a pancake under a semi truck. They're hoping K Pop concerts will get the yuan flowing again. This reminds me of when Jesse was trying to cook his own batches. Amateurs. They need a bit of the 'Walt White' touch for everything to fall into place. Turns out that China is very serious about it and even the ministry of Culture and Tourism is calling for promotion of cultural events including concerts and music festivals to raise interest in tourism and hospitality. Pathetic.

Tariff Proof? Sounds Like My Kind of Product

Now this is where things get interesting. K Pop is supposedly 'tariff proof.' See it is not so different from my Blue magic. Digital downloads streaming fan content… none of that gets hit with import taxes. Brilliant. Even if some die hard fans buy albums and merchandise the impact of all this is very low because the price is very low for such kind of product. And they also count on the loyalty of K Pop's fanatics. So China needs money; South Korea can provide the means... Sounds like a perfect trade if you ask me.

Diplomacy: Let's Cook

But wait there's more! Seems like China wants to play nice with its neighbors again. What a joke. Cultural diplomacy they call it. Sure easing up on K Pop is going to smooth things over after years of… well you know. But just like I had my own reasons to be 'cooking' the real reason is that they need the support from South Korea. Who would have thought huh?

The Catalyst: K Pop Stocks? Heisenberg's Investing!

Ah now we're talking. K Pop stocks are set to skyrocket? Those Big Four companies could get a major shot in the arm if China actually follows through with this K Pop lovefest. More concerts more albums more money. And with that it will be time to apply my famous quote... 'I am the danger!' I will make these shares mine and they will soon fear my name. Heisenberg.

A Taste Test?

Apparently some rookie group called Epex is the guinea pig here. Testing the waters so to speak. If they don't screw things up the big boys – HYBE JYP SM and YG – will come rolling in. Sounds like a carefully calculated risk. I gotta respect that. 'It's been a long time coming but we're here now.' If the concert is a success you already know what's next. Bigger stages bigger venues BIGGER PROFITS.