BANGKOK – Authorities have fined two companies and stated that a well-known Chinese comedian caused a “negative impact” on society after an audience reported him for altering the lyrics of a patriotic song during a performance.
The Culture and Tourism Bureau in Wuhan announced on Monday that comedian Guo Degang “distorted” a patriotic song, leading to fines for both the hosting company and the theater for violating commercial performance regulations. The bureau also indicated that they would take serious action against those involved but did not specify the nature of the punishments.
Guo is recognized as China’s most prominent performer of xiangsheng, a form of comedic dialogue characterized by wordplay and rhymes. He has been under investigation since August, according to local media.
Authorities emphasized that “revolutionary songs carry the memory of the Chinese nation’s War of Resistance,” which refers to the resistance against Japan starting in 1937, and stated that no one should be allowed to distort or misrepresent these songs.
Although Guo’s performance had received prior approval from Wuhan authorities, the changes to the lyrics were not authorized. State media indicated that Guo utilized “mocking words” at the end of the song.
The lyrics in question are from “Playing My Beloved Pipa,” a song from the 1950s film “Railway Guerrilla,” which depicts Communist-led guerrillas combating Japanese forces during World War II. The pipa is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument akin to a lute.
Following the incident, Guo’s tour has faced multiple cancellations, and he has not performed publicly since; updates on his troupe’s social media page have ceased.
Guo has not provided a response to requests for comment.
