Chinese Walking Group's Event Video Sparks Controversy
A group of Chinese people dressed in military-style uniforms recently marched in formation to a march tune at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. Douyin
A video showing about 100 Chinese people dressed in military uniforms marching in formation to a march tune at Hangang Park in the heart of Seoul has recently gone viral, sparking controversy. Although it was confirmed to be an event for Chinese tourists visiting Korea as part of a group-bonding activity, many local internet users expressed discomfort at the unfamiliar sight, saying, "It looks like a military parade."
"Not even a drill"... Marching in 'military uniforms' at Hangang Park
On November 7, videos of an event held in Korea by a Chinese walking enthusiast group began spreading across social networking services (SNS) and various online communities.
The video was first posted on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) on November 4 and is believed to have been filmed on October 31 near the Mulbit Stage at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. The participants' movements were perfectly synchronized, closely resembling a military drill. The banner displayed read in Korean: "Korea (Hangang) International Walking Exchange Exhibition - Chinese Walking Enthusiasts."
A group of Chinese people dressed in military-style uniforms recently marched in formation to a march tune at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. Douyin
It is reported that about 100 Chinese people participated in the event. They gathered in groups of about ten, all wearing matching uniforms. Some teams wore athletic outfits in yellow and red, while others were dressed in military-patterned uniforms, complete with matching hats. A man, presumed to be a regional leader of the enthusiast group, delivered a congratulatory speech in Chinese, and the participants responded with applause.
The nature of the group and the purpose of the event have not been clearly identified. While it appears to be a gathering for tourism or cultural exchange, the use of military-style uniforms and martial music seems somewhat disconnected from the intended purpose of the event.
Domestic internet users react: "Unpleasant"
A group of Chinese people wearing clothing similar to military uniforms recently took commemorative photos at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. Douyin
As the video spread, many online users in Korea criticized the event, saying, "This is not just a walking event; it looks like a military parade." Comments included, "Isn't it dangerous for civilians to wear military uniforms and perform drill movements?" "If Japanese people had done this in Self-Defense Force uniforms, there would have been an uproar," and "Group walking is fine, but wearing military uniforms crosses the line." While some argued it could simply be seen as a team-building event, the combination of military uniforms, martial music, and marching led to growing criticism that it was a "threatening performance."
Previously, a festival in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, also sparked controversy when footage of the Chinese People's Liberation Army flag and Chinese soldiers marching was shown. On the last day of the "2025 Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival," held on November 2 at the Silleuksa Tourist Complex in Yeoju, a scene of the Chinese military marching appeared on the background screen during a Korea-China cultural exchange event. On stage, individuals dressed in Chinese military uniforms lined up alongside the red flag symbolizing the People's Liberation Army. As the controversy grew, the Yeoju Sejong Culture and Tourism Foundation, which organized the festival, issued an apology: "We sincerely apologize for any concern or discomfort caused to visitors by certain aspects of the Korea-China cultural exchange event, which was held together with the Korea Tourism Organization to help the festival grow into a global event."
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