How did South Korean politicians react to the Beijing Games ceremony?

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South Korean Politicians Criticise China's Presentation of Hanbok at Beijing Winter Games

South Korean politicians and activists have voiced strong criticism following the appearance of what they identified as Korean traditional dress, hanbok, among the costumes representing China's ethnic minorities during the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Ruling party lawmaker Lee So-young expressed regret over the incident, highlighting past instances of China claiming Korean culture as its own and warning of potential diplomatic repercussions due to rising anti-China sentiment. Lee Jae-myung, a presidential candidate, directly opposed the perceived appropriation, while the main opposition People Power Party labelled the act as "rude."
Concerns Over Cultural Appropriation and Diplomatic Impact

Lee So-young, a lawmaker from the ruling party, conveyed deep regret over the inclusion of hanbok in the Beijing Winter Games opening ceremony. She noted that this was not an isolated incident, as China has previously presented Korean culture as its own. Lee cautioned that allowing such actions to persist could exacerbate anti-China sentiment among the South Korean populace, thereby creating significant obstacles for future diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
Presidential Candidate Calls for Opposition to Appropriation

Lee Jae-myung, the candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea in the upcoming presidential election, took a firm stance against the perceived cultural appropriation. He explicitly posted on social media, urging China to cease coveting Korean culture and to oppose cultural appropriation. This statement reflects a broader concern among some South Korean political figures regarding the preservation of their national cultural identity against external claims.
Opposition Party Denounces "Rude" Act

The primary opposition party, the People Power Party (PPP), characterised the appearance of the hanbok-like costume as a "rude" act. The party argued that this action amounted to appropriating the culture of a sovereign state and stood in stark contrast to the Beijing Games' stated slogan of "together for a shared future." This condemnation underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the issue within South Korea.
Activist Aims to Raise Global Awareness

Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor and activist dedicated to promoting South Korean culture, stated that the objective is to increase global awareness that hanbok is a traditional Korean costume. While the South Korean government has not issued an official statement, Culture Minister Hwang Hee commented to local media that the designation of certain groups as minorities could inadvertently imply they do not constitute a sovereign nation, potentially leading to misunderstandings in bilateral relations.

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How did South Korean politicians react to the Beijing Games ceremony?

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