Controversy Over US Aid to Korea, Will It Lead to Restrictions on Chinese Idol Activities? [Kim Ga-yeon's Perspective Twist]

Some Idols Spark Controversy by Posting Anti-American Aid Commemoration on Chinese Weibo
"Stop Victoria and Lay's Activities" Petition to Blue House
Experts Say "Chinese Idols Find It Hard to Voice Opinions Different from Chinese Public"

Chinese idol EXO's Lay posted a commemorative post for the 70th anniversary of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea on his Weibo / Photo by Lay Weibo capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Chinese idol singers active in Korea have sparked controversy by posting commemorative messages for the 70th anniversary of the 'Kangmei Yuanzhao' (抗美援朝) on social media.

Kangmei Yuanzhao is the term used in China to refer to the Korean War. It carries the meaning that "the Korean War was an invasion war by South Korea and the United States, and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army helped North Korea to repel the American invasion."

As criticism that such remarks distort history intensifies, demands are growing to restrict the domestic activities of celebrities who posted related messages.

Some Chinese idol singers posted messages on their Chinese social media platform Weibo on the 23rd to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Kangmei Yuanzhao.

EXO member Lay wrote on his Weibo that day, "Heroes are never forgotten," adding the hashtag "Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Volunteer Army's (Chinese People's Volunteer Army) Kangmei Yuanzhao expedition." He also shared a post from Chinese CCTV broadcasting titled "Remember the great victory of the 70th anniversary of the Kangmei Yuanzhao operation."

On the same day, f(x) member Victoria also posted on her Weibo, stating, "Remember history, cherish peace, and pay tribute to the heroes," with the hashtag "Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Volunteer Army's (Chinese People's Volunteer Army) Kangmei Yuanzhao expedition." In addition, Pristin's Zhou Jieqiong, as well as WJSN members Seongso, Meiqi, and Seonui, posted similar messages.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 70th anniversary ceremony held on the 23rd, defined the Korean War as "imperialist aggression," stating that "we defeated the aggressors (the United States) and showed the world the great power status of the 'New China.'"

As a result, voices of criticism are rising among citizens, calling it "China's historical distortion." Public opinion demanding restrictions on the domestic broadcasting activities of celebrities who posted commemorative messages for Kangmei Yuanzhao is also spreading.

Previously, after BTS received the 'Van Fleet Award' for contributing to the development of Korea-US relations and said, "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, and we must remember the hardships shared by both countries and the sacrifices of many men and women," Chinese netizens criticized them heavily. Consequently, there are calls within Korea to take the issue of historical distortion seriously and implement appropriate measures.

On the 24th, a petition titled "Request to Sanction Chinese Celebrities Supporting China's Distortion of Korean War History from Activities in Korea" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board. Photo by Blue House National Petition Board capture.

On the 24th, a petition titled "Request to sanction Chinese celebrities who sympathize with China's distortion of Korean War history and their activities in Korea" was posted on the Blue House's public petition board. After preliminary review, the petition was made public on the 26th. As of around 11 a.m. on the 27th, it had garnered over 18,800 signatures.

The petitioner stated, "They shamelessly ignore the fact that they allied with North Korea to attack South Korea and claim that their reason for attacking South Korea was 'to save Korea from American imperialism.' Chinese celebrities who debuted in Korea and gained global recognition are fueling agitation through social media."

They continued, "Those who gained money and fame under Korean entertainment companies should not be allowed to continue their activities shamelessly after sympathizing with historical distortion. If expulsion is difficult, at least impose restrictions on their activities in Korea. We do not want to see them continue their activities after endorsing historical distortion," urging action.

Experts emphasize that the Korean public must continue to voice criticism against China's historical distortion.

Professor Im Dae-geun of the Department of Global Cultural Contents at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies said on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Starting New Morning' on the 27th, "Although Chinese stars are active based in Korea, they ultimately return to China and are evaluated by the Chinese public. In this situation, it seems very difficult for them to express opinions different from those of Chinese netizens and the public."

Professor Im added, "While individual judgment seems clear, behind it operates a national education system in various ways. Chinese nationalism or patriotism education exerts very strong influence. From the perspective of the Korean public, it is necessary to clearly voice our opinions and demand corrections for inaccuracies."

He further explained, "(Kangmei Yuanzhao) ignores the fact that North Korea invaded South Korea and instead defines the later intervention by the United States and the United Nations as aggression. It appears that, unable to resolve internal issues such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, trade conflicts with the U.S., and President Xi's consolidation of power, China is mobilizing patriotic propaganda campaigns to address internal problems."