Tighter U.S. visa screenings are causing abrupt cancellations of K-pop events in Los Angeles and other Korean American communities, as entertainers and staff from South Korea face increasing challenges securing entry. Since the Trump administration, performers and crews have been hit with stricter reviews, leading to last-minute disruptions even when events are fully prepared.
On July 25, CJ ENM canceled the planned taping of “Kim Chang-Ok Show Global in LA,” which was scheduled to run through June 28. The popular tvN program, hosted by communication expert Chang-Ok Kim, features real-life advice sessions addressing everyday challenges like generational conflict and cross-cultural relationships.
CJ ENM had promoted the Los Angeles shoot as the show’s first overseas taping and recruited LA-based participants on themes such as immigrant life, intercultural marriage, and identity issues. However, the entire production was canceled just days before the scheduled taping.
A staff member involved in the preparation said, “CJ ENM informed us that the LA shoot could not proceed. Around 40 crew members in Korea were applying for visas, but we understand issues arose during that process.”
Some fans expressed support and disappointment after the announcement. One user commented on Instagram, “It’s unfortunate the event was canceled, but I’ll keep supporting you.”
Immigration lawyers say that visa scrutiny for performers has intensified since the Trump era, especially for O-1 and P-1 performance visas.
Kyung-Hee Lee, an immigration attorney, explained, “Cases that used to be approved are now frequently denied. For performance visas, even assistants and support staff must undergo interviews, which raises the chance of issues.” She added that delays can still occur even after USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) approves the petition. “At the U.S. Embassy, additional administrative processing during interviews often causes further delays.”
According to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, entertainers and support staff producing events in the U.S. must apply for O visas (for individuals with extraordinary ability) or P visas (for performing artists and their teams). The embassy evaluates USCIS petition approvals, recommendation letters, and travel purpose documentation during the review process.
Jonathan Park, another immigration lawyer, said, “The key to non-immigrant visa approval is proving the purpose of the visit fits the visa category. Applicants must show that they have no immigration intent and provide clear proof of employment, finances, and family ties.”
In March, Korean rock band Jaurim canceled its planned New York concert due to what the organizers called “administrative delays.” The event was postponed shortly before the scheduled date.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
