BTS, BLACKPINK, and Running Man... Are Chinese Netizens Starting to Find Fault Again?

Chinese Netizens Protest Appearance of Taiwan Flag on Running Man
Previously Criticized BTS and Blackpink
Expert: "China's Overreaction... Should Respond with Dignity"

SBS Running Man Blue Marble game scene displaying the Chinese national flag and the Taiwan national flag. Photo by Weibo capture

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon and Kim Young-eun] Chinese netizens, who previously criticized the words and actions of idol groups BTS and BLACKPINK, have recently begun flooding South Korea's variety show "Running Man" with malicious comments. While some Chinese netizens advocate anti-Hallyu and boycott movements, South Korean netizens and experts point out that these are mere nitpicking and overreactions.

On the 6th, during the SBS variety show "Running Man," viewers noticed the Taiwanese flag appearing on screen while the cast was playing the board game "Blue Marble," which led to a flood of negative comments from Chinese netizens. The following day, on the 7th, the term "RM," referring to Running Man, ranked sixth among popular search terms on China's social networking service Weibo.

In that episode of Running Man, the Blue Marble game board displayed the Taiwanese flag alongside Taipei, while Beijing was depicted with the Five-starred Red Flag. Chinese netizens, who consider Taiwan as part of China, protested the appearance of the Taiwanese flag on the broadcast screen.

Chinese netizens criticized the fact that Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, was shown separately from Beijing, the capital of China, on the game board. Some even stated, "Korean variety shows have crossed the line. This will be the last episode we watch before boycotting," and "Why doesn't Running Man respect Chinese viewers? We will no longer watch it," demanding an apology and calling for a boycott.

This is not the first time Chinese netizens have nitpicked South Korean broadcast content or celebrities. Previously, in October, Chinese netizens criticized BTS's remarks at the "Ban Fleet" awards ceremony hosted by the U.S. non-profit organization Korea Society. After receiving the award, a BTS member said, "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, and we must forever remember the hardships shared by both countries (Korea and the U.S.) and the sacrifices of many men and women."

However, these remarks by BTS were criticized by Chinese netizens for representing only the U.S. perspective and ignoring the "noble sacrifices" of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the Korean War.

One Chinese netizen wrote on Weibo at the time, "Thousands of Chinese soldiers gave their lives in the war," adding, "You can say that because you are Korean, but I am Chinese, so I must be angry."

Photo by BLACKPINK Official YouTube Channel Video Capture

Additionally, on the 4th of last month, members of the idol group BLACKPINK were criticized by Chinese netizens for touching a panda without wearing gloves. Chinese media reported, "BLACKPINK illegally touched the panda without gloves, which poses a significant risk of infecting the panda and is a clear illegal contact." Some Chinese netizens launched a hashtag (#) campaign on social media, demanding an immediate apology and the return of the panda, which is a national treasure of China.

In response to these situations, South Korean netizens have expressed disbelief, saying things like, "The unreasonable accusations and stubbornness are too much," "The world does not revolve around China," and "Let's stop apologizing to China's nitpicking."

Experts say that appropriate measures should be sought to respond to China's stance.

Professor Lee Wook-yeon of Sogang University stated on "JTBC Social Live Evening," "Chinese netizens tend to overreact," adding, "China has a different system from ours, so when the state sets a major direction, the rest follow."

He continued, "China thinks it is the most backward compared to us and wants to imitate and copy Korean popular culture the most," explaining, "Culture is connected to political and ideological freedom, so even if they try to follow, it doesn't work well, which leads to a latent resentment toward Hallyu."

Professor Lee advised, "We need to respond with more dignity," adding, "If we respond in the same way, feelings of hatred toward certain countries or races could leave wounds in our society as well, so it is necessary to consider a comprehensive response strategy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.