Chinese Comedian Under Investigation for Parodying Patriotic Song

Chinese comedian Guo Degang is facing an official investigation for allegedly altering the lyrics of a patriotic song during a performance in Wuhan in July. Local authorities confirmed the probe into the 53-year-old artist for suspected violations of regulations governing commercial performances.

Reports indicate that Degang improvised on a 1956 song that commemorates Chinese fighters defeating Japanese soldiers during World War II. The melody of this song was officially recognized by the Chinese Communist Party in 2019 as an 'exceptional' piece celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China. Degang reportedly changed lyrics, such as replacing 'Calm on Weishan Lake' with 'Calm in the Forbidden City,' and performed these modifications with a comedic touch.

The investigation stems from the fact that Degang deviated from the script that had been submitted to and approved by the authorities. According to local media, the Wuhan culture and tourism bureau stated that the artist had strayed from the approved elements of the show.

This incident highlights the strict oversight of China's artistic scene, which has been further intensified under President Xi Jinping. In 2023, a troupe of comedians faced millions of dollars in fines and indefinite suspension after one member made an indirect joke about the People's Liberation Army. Guo Degang, known for reviving the traditional Chinese comedic dialogue style known as 'xiangsheng,' has previously performed on major state television galas.

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suspected violations