"Jang Wian's Anti-Korean Sentiment Is an Expression of Inferiority Complex... Only Worsens Korea-China Relations"

Seok Kyung-deok, Jang Wi-an and Other Influencers Criticize Anti-Korean Sentiment
"Forcibly Claiming Korean Culture as Chinese Culture"
"Chinese People's Inferiority Complex Deepens Daily... They Should Restrain Themselves"

Chinese influencer Zhang Yuan, who gained recognition in South Korea through appearances on entertainment programs, recently sparked controversy with anti-Korean remarks, prompting Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University to point out that "he must exercise restraint."

On the 27th, Professor Seokyung Deok mentioned on his Facebook, "Cases where famous Chinese YouTubers and TikTokers falsely claim Korean culture as their own are gradually increasing," referring to Zhang Yuan and other influencers.

Zhang Yuan: "I will ask if Korean people stole Chinese culture"

Chinese influencer Zhang Yuan. [Image source=YouTube channel 'Rest Time']

Zhang Yuan recently said on TikTok, "I will soon visit Korea," adding, "I will also ask about (Koreans) stealing Chinese culture." He continued, "Since I want to know (what Koreans who steal Chinese culture think), I am considering doing street interviews," and added, "I will ask if they think elements related to the Dragon Boat Festival, Confucius, Hanja, and Chinese solar terms are all Korean."

He also said, "I will wear the emperor's clothes from the Ming or Song dynasty and visit places like Korean palaces," and "I will ride the subway, visit busy streets and royal palaces as if on an inspection tour, showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese men's clothing." Zhang Yuan's remarks were reported through the YouTube channel 'Rest Time,' which introduces news related to China.

"Kimchi is Chinese"... Chinese influencers' excessive claims

Chinese YouTuber Li Ziqi making kimchi. [Image source=YouTube]

This is not the first time Chinese influencers have claimed Korean culture as their own. Previously, Li Zi, a YouTuber with 17.7 million subscribers, caused controversy in 2021 by producing a video of making kimchi. At that time, he tagged it with '#ChineseFood.'

Also in the same year, Chinese influencer Shiyin uploaded a video titled "Hanbok was influenced by Hanfu. Hate speech cannot change history." Shiyin argued, "Hanfu has a long history and has influenced East Asian countries," and "We must respect that Hanbok and Hanfu are different clothing styles. However, acknowledging that Hanbok was influenced by Hanfu is not something to be ashamed of."

Regarding this, Professor Seokyung Deok said, "These incidents occur because Korean culture is gaining attention worldwide, which intensifies the inferiority complex among Chinese people," emphasizing, "Their distorted Sinocentrism only worsens relations between the two countries, so they must exercise restraint."