Sungshin Women’s University professor Seo Kyoung-duk highlighted the issue on October 12, citing findings from a National Heritage Administration study examining China’s treatment of Korean traditional culture.
According to the report, 24 traditions associated with ethnic Korean communities in China’s northeastern provinces of Jilin, Liaoning and Heilongjiang have been registered as national-level intangible cultural heritage in China.
The listed traditions reportedly include Arirang, pansori, Chuseok, kimchi-making techniques, ssireum, janggu dance, crane dance, nongak dance, gayageum music, traditional clothing and hwangap celebrations.
Seo also drew particular attention to an Arirang information sign in Zhongxing Village in Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province. According to the report, the sign claims that an early form of Arirang originated from people who migrated from the Chinese mainland to the Korean Peninsula after the establishment of the Han commanderies and sang about longing for their homeland.
Seo criticized the description as historical distortion and called for a stronger response from the South Korean government.
He also expressed concern that Chinese domestic heritage registrations could eventually be used as a basis for seeking recognition through UNESCO.
Netizen Reactions
The sampled Nate comments were overwhelmingly angry and critical toward China, while several also criticized South Korean politicians for what commenters perceived as an insufficient response. Some of the reactions contain political exaggerations or claims that should remain clearly attributed to individual commenters rather than treated as facts.
1. Seriously, how far are they planning to take this? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Please deport people like that already.
2. China must be insanely jealous of us.
3. Honestly, I’m not even surprised anymore.
4. And South Korean lawmakers can’t even say a single word.
5. Shouldn’t we be protesting this and raising absolute hell??
6. China destroyed so much of its own traditional culture during the Cultural Revolution. That’s why they developed this inferiority complex and started coveting the cultures of neighboring countries.
7. If Japan did something like this, even the president would step in and raise hell ㅋㅋ But when China does it, everyone suddenly keeps their mouths shut ㅋㅋ Apparently being anti-China gets you prison time now ㅋㅋ Give me a break.
8. Are you people insane? Can you even sing it properly yourselves?
9. Lee Jae-myung: “So what are you going to do about it?”
10. These are the same people who insisted until the very end that “Wuhan pneumonia” wasn’t theirs...
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