General Kim Jwa-jin Statue Donated by Song Hye-kyo "Song Hye-kyo Welcomed by Chinese Fans Due to Many Chinese Admirers"
Chinese Media Criticizing BTS Suddenly Reverses Stance Overnight
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese media that had criticized BTS suddenly published an article praising actress Song Hye-kyo's donation of a statue of General Kim Jwa-jin.
The state-run Global Times reported on the 22nd that actress Song Hye-kyo donated a statue of General Kim Jwa-jin to the Historical Figures Museum in Hailin City, Heilongjiang Province the day before, receiving high praise from fans and Chinese people.
The Global Times introduced General Kim Jwa-jin as an independence fighter active in the northeastern region, who led the victory in the Battle of Cheongsanri.
It also reported that the statue's production costs were supported by Song Hye-kyo and Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University.
The newspaper further introduced that actress Song Hye-kyo has also donated to other sculptures of Korean heroes in countries such as the Netherlands and Kazakhstan.
The Global Times stated that actress Song Hye-kyo has secured many fans in China and that her donations are welcomed by Chinese people.
Lu Chao, a researcher at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, said in an interview with the Global Times, "China and Korea built friendship while fighting against Japanese imperialism," adding, "Song Hye-kyo's emotional respect for Chinese people will be reciprocated."
Researcher Lu emphasized, "Celebrities' remarks on history and politics always attract attention," and "One must be cautious when mentioning such issues."
He continued, "Whatever BTS intended to express, their remarks hurt the feelings of Chinese people," adding, "Some right-wing media exploited this to incite discord between the two countries."
BTS received the 'Ben Fleet Award' for contributing to the development of Korea-US relations and referred to the Korean War as 'a history of hardship experienced by both countries (Korea and the US).'
Chinese netizens took issue with this statement, and after the Global Times' sister paper, the Huanqiu Shibao, published articles reflecting the anger of Chinese netizens, it deleted the articles as the issue escalated.
As emotions between netizens of both countries intensified, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs intervened, stating, "China wants to actively work with Korea to promote friendship between the two countries," attempting to ease tensions.
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