China Launches Crackdown on Micro-Dramas, Targeting 'Vulgar' Content

China's booming micro-drama industry, known for its sensational and often controversial content, is facing a significant crackdown from the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA). The NRTA announced a two-month special campaign starting June 1, targeting what it deems "vulgar" content across the rapidly growing sector.

The campaign specifically targets eight key areas of concern: content harmful to children, sexually suggestive material, promotion of materialism and wealth display, distorted views on marriage and relationships, feudalistic elements, violent revenge plots, vulgar titles, and copyright infringement. This broad scope signals a determined effort by authorities to rein in the industry's unchecked growth and perceived moral decay.

The crackdown follows several high-profile controversies that have shocked audiences and drawn official condemnation. One recent incident involved a micro-drama that allegedly depicted themes of child marriage and featured a 11-year-old actress in inappropriate romantic scenes with a much older male lead. Another report detailed alleged child endangerment on set, where an infant was reportedly left exposed to heavy rain for extended periods for a scene.

While some netizens have applauded the government's move to curb "unhealthy trends," many micro-drama fans express dismay, arguing that the genre's appeal lies precisely in its "dog-blood" (gǒu xuè) or melodramatic nature. They fear that the strict regulations will stifle creativity and remove the escapist entertainment that has made micro-dramas so popular, leading to a less engaging viewing experience.