Overseasidol.com — Discussions surrounding the regulation of Boys’ Love (BL), also known as “danmei,” content in China have recently resurfaced, sparking widespread attention.
While some believe that the genre has been completely banned, the reality is more nuanced, with authorities enforcing stricter controls rather than implementing an outright prohibition.
Since around 2021, Chinese regulators have intensified oversight on the adaptation of danmei novels into television dramas and online series.
The National Radio and Television Administration and other departments have explicitly banned “danmei dramas” (TV dramas adapted from danmei novels) and idol training variety shows as part of the “Qinglang” online governance initiative.
The 2022 National Radio and Television Work Conference officially established the policy of “banning danmei web dramas” with the Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau leading its implementation.
By September 2025, it was evident that regulations had been further expanded to areas such as radio dramas and comic books.
This move came in response to the rapid rise in popularity of such productions, which often generated massive fan engagement and commercial success.
Authorities have expressed concerns over the resulting “fan economy,” where excessive marketing tactics and fandom conflicts became increasingly common.
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