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China-South Korea tension: Chinese members of Everglow, aespa, Seventeen under scrutiny

The China-South Korea cultural debate began when Everglow's Yiren greeted fans in the Chinese way

It is no secret that there is unrest between China and South Korea. The K-pop industry took it as an affront when China introduced their entertainment banning laws last year to curb the promotion of “effeminate” male idols, mass purchasing merch and idol fanservice culture. We then had the general public of South Korea targeting Chinese idols like Everglow’s Yiren for not following their traditions and then attacking aespa’s Ningning for congratulating the Chinese gold medalists at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. At the same time, we also have Chinese fans sending hate to BTS’ RM for supporting Korean athletes.

This comes in light of one Korean athlete claiming that China had cheated in the short-track speed skating game at the 2022 Olympics. There was also a case of cultural appropriation as China had Olympic torchbearers wearing the Korean Hanbok and using Korean drums while crediting it to regions in their country. They later gave a contradicting statement that they were just representing the Korean minority living in China. Apart from that, China has been trying to claim the Korean side dish Kimchi and that Hanbok originated from the Chinese traditional dress Hanfu with even Chungha speaking on it.

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Cnetizens harass Hyoyeon and a pregnant Shin-hye

With Koreans expressing their rage at their traditional elements being claimed by China, Cnetizens are retaliating by cyberbullying Korean celebrities who are wearing the Hanbok like Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon and actress Park Shin-hye who is currently pregnant. In response, Knetizens are now attacking Chinese idols like those of Seventeen. Many have been making derogatory remarks to idols like aespa’s Ningning and NCT’s Lucas, and leaving comments demanding that they go back to their country.

The beginning of China-South Korea cultural debate in K-pop

As a sign of respect whether it is to their seniors or fans, Koreans get down on their hands and knees to bow which is called ‘keun jeol’. However, in Chinese culture, it is known as ‘kowtow’ and is only done in front of gravestones. In the past, Chinese idols have always stood and bowed to their waist while the Korean members have gone down on the floor. However, this became an issue in January 2022 when a clip of Everglow bowing went viral. During a fansign, the girl group thanked fans by getting down on their knees while Chinese member Yiren joined her hands in a Chinese greeting style to thank them.

Ningning and Seventeen's Chinese members are dragged in

Cnetizens blew up the incident by congratulating Yiren for staying true to her country and culture. This irked many Knetizens as they claimed that the Everglow member was being too proud and that it came off as insensitive. The incident was then brought back due to Ningning’s debacle. Knetizens shared clips where even when aespa members were bowing just to their waist, Ningning did not bow and slightly tilted her head. A Korean fan shared that there was such an uproar because they felt Chinese people were mocking Korean culture.

And now some trolls are also attacking the popular boy group Seventeen. While Knetizens have not targeted the Chinese members, Jun and The8 in the past, due to the bowing incident with Yiren and Ningning, some anti-fans are bringing up past videos. During a ‘Weekly Idol’ episode in 2018, all of the members wore the male version of the Hanbok but while bowing on their knees, only The8 and Jun stood and bowed to their waist.

Knetizens made comments on Korean platforms like, “If you can’t even respect Korean culture, why are you making money in Korea? Just make money in China.” Another added, “You want to be a K-pop idol while ignoring Korean culture..?? F**k.” One user said, “If you are going to keep your customs, take off your Hanbok, why did you wear Hanbok? And why did you go to Korea in the first place?”

'Both wrong and gross'

International users are frustrated as they made tweets like, “But if they did bow then knets would gatekeep like why are you pretending you’re korean when you’re not.” Another added, “These Knetz are so sinophobic. Tbh with the way cnetz are acting towards Korean celebrities and the way knetz are acting towards Chinese idols makes the look the same. Both wrong and gross.” One posted, “Two strong chinese women who are facing xenophobia bc they choose to embrace their culture. yiren and ningning, y’all deserve so much better and i hope y’all know y’all are loved !! <3.” One annoyed fan pointed out, “Koreans attacking Ningning and Chinese people attacking Namjoon. what do these people expect? Ofcourse they will support their country's team!”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.