Seo Kyungdeok: "Lunar New Year is a Shared Asian Tradition"
Global Companies' Terminology Under Renewed Scrutiny
Singer G-Dragon's New Year's greeting delivered on an overseas concert stage has sparked fierce backlash from Chinese netizens. The trigger was the term "Lunar New Year."
Singer G-Dragon's New Year's greeting delivered on an overseas concert stage sparked strong backlash from Chinese netizens. Galaxy Corporation
According to a recent report by Hong Kong media outlet South China Morning Post, G-Dragon appeared at the "Crazy Super Concert" music festival held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on February 17 (local time) and offered New Year's wishes to the audience. On stage, he greeted the crowd with "Lunar New Year," which some Chinese fans took issue with. Their objection was that he referred to the festival as "Lunar New Year" rather than "Chinese New Year," which is what they consider their country's biggest holiday.
The controversy further escalated when it was revealed that Chinese idol singer Cai Xukun, who performed on the same stage, greeted the audience using the term "Chinese New Year." The outlet detailed a variety of reactions that emerged online, stating that for some of his passionate Chinese fans, G-Dragon's greeting was perceived as a betrayal.
As the controversy spread, Professor Seo Kyungdeok of Sungshin Women's University also shared his perspective. On March 2, through his social media, he stated, "The baseless and unreasonable claims of Chinese netizens are becoming more severe by the day," and pointed out, "Lunar New Year is not a culture unique to China but a cultural tradition across Asia."
Professor Seo further commented, "Chinese netizens have been particularly sensitive to the terminology used by global companies and celebrities," and emphasized, "G-Dragon, who used the correct expression without catering to Chinese fans, has proven himself a true global star."
He went on to clearly explain, "Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in several Asian countries. In China, it is known as Chunjie, in Korea as Seollal, and in Vietnam as Tet." He added, "From now on, Chinese netizens should first learn to respect the cultures of other countries and adopt global etiquette."
Previously, Apple sparked controversy by using the term "Chinese New Year" on its official website and in its content. At the time, Professor Seo stressed, "Lunar New Year is not a holiday exclusive to China; it is celebrated by various Asian countries including Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Therefore, it is correct to use 'Lunar New Year' as the designation." He emphasized that "it is imperative to correct the portrayal of Asian culture as uniquely Chinese through global companies, as this misleads the world about a pan-Asian tradition."
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