'Controversy Over Hanbok Appearance at China Olympics' Culture Minister Hwang Hee: "Regrettable but No Plans for Diplomatic Protest"

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwang Hee attended the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics held at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, on the afternoon of the 4th, wearing a hanbok. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Hwang Hee, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed regret over the hanbok controversy at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony, stating, "It is unfortunate that misunderstandings could arise in bilateral relations," but added that there are no plans to lodge a diplomatic protest at this time.

On the 5th, Minister Hwang visited the main media center in downtown Beijing and told reporters, "When referring to ethnic minorities, it usually means groups that have not developed into independent nations," and pointed out, "South Korea exists as a major country ranked in the top 10 globally right next to China, so misunderstandings could arise that might affect the good relationship between the two countries."

At the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics held the previous night, a woman dressed in hanbok appeared as one of the ethnic minorities within China, delivering the Five-starred Red Flag. Domestically, voices of criticism have grown louder, saying things like, "China is arrogantly claiming our traditional attire, hanbok, as their own," and "They are using the globally watched Olympic opening ceremony to carry out cultural Northeast Project (Dongbei Gongjeong)."

On the 4th, at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, a performer wearing a hanbok is waving their hand. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding this, Minister Hwang also said in an interview with China's Xinhua News Agency on the same day, "It is very regrettable that the Joseonjok (ethnic Koreans in China) were boldly described as an ethnic minority, a term mainly used for peoples who have not grown into independent nations, in a situation where Korean culture is spreading worldwide."

However, he added, "On the other hand, it can also be seen as our culture spreading so widely," and questioned, "Isn't this the only case in world history where culture has been conquered through soft power without physical force?"

He continued, "It is said that an enormous number of people in China are learning the Korean language," emphasizing, "We need to view this as a process of our culture spreading, have confidence and pride, but also address the parts that need to be properly corrected."

He stated that there are no plans for an official diplomatic protest regarding the hanbok controversy. Minister Hwang added, "However, for parts that could cause misunderstandings between the two countries, I believe it is necessary to meet with government officials such as the Chinese Minister of Sports and mention domestic public opinion."

He also proposed, "If we look at it from a reciprocal perspective, there are Chinese diaspora living in our country, and the United States is a nation founded by various ethnic groups. Wouldn't it be better from the perspective of cultural diversity to say this is Korean culture and that is another culture within that context?"

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