Guo Degang under investigation for satirizing revolutionary song

Chinese authorities have launched an official investigation into prominent stand-up comedian Guo Degang following a performance in Wuhan on July 24. The investigation was triggered after Guo improvised altered lyrics to a classic 1956 revolutionary song that honors soldiers who fought Japanese forces during World War II.

During the performance, Guo replaced the original line, ‘everything is calm at Weishan Lake,’ with ‘everything is calm in the Forbidden City.’ A spectator filed a complaint alleging that the comedian “distorted and vulgarized a classic revolutionary work” and violated “public morality and accepted standards of conduct.”

The Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism stated that while the show had legal authorization, the modified song segments were not included in the documentation submitted for prior approval. This discrepancy may constitute a violation of the Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Performances.

As a result of the investigation, several upcoming shows on Guo’s national anniversary tour have been canceled, including performances in Xi’an and Yantai. The ticketing platform Damai has begun processing automatic refunds for ticket holders.