China, "Hanbok Controversy at Olympic Opening Ceremony Unrelated to Cultural Origins"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] China is reported to have conveyed to Korea that “the content of the opening ceremony performance is completely unrelated to the issue of cultural origins” regarding the ‘Hanbok controversy’ at the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 8th that when Korean diplomatic authorities expressed domestic interest and concerns about this controversy, China responded by saying, “We are well aware of the related public opinion trends within Korea.”

At the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony held on the 4th, controversy arose when a woman wearing Hanbok appeared as one of the representatives of the 56 ethnic groups in China, carrying the Chinese Five-starred Red Flag.

When asked through what channels Korea’s position was conveyed, the official replied, “I will refrain from specifying a particular occasion,” but added, “We are discussing this through various appropriate channels in multiple ways.”

China explained that the opening ceremony performance featured several ethnic minorities within China, including the Joseonjok, wearing their traditional costumes as they are, and that Korea need not be particularly concerned culturally.

It was also reported that during diplomatic communications, China showed a response acknowledging that the clear fact that Hanbok is a unique traditional culture of Korea and the Korean people remains unchanged.

Previously, Park Byeong-seok, Speaker of the National Assembly, who visited China to attend the Olympic opening ceremony, reportedly mentioned the controversy and concerns within Korea regarding Hanbok during talks and a dinner with Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China.

At a regular briefing on the same day, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Choi Young-sam refuted criticisms that the ministry has been passive in responding to attempts by some in China to distort cultures such as Kimchi, Hanbok, and Taekwondo, stating, “We have not been responding passively.”

Spokesperson Choi said, “This year marks the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations and the Year of Korea-China Cultural Exchange,” adding, “Based on mutual respect for each other’s unique cultures, the two countries will continue efforts to activate diverse cultural exchanges and enhance understanding between the peoples of Korea and China.”

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