OMONA THEY DID(N'T)!

Amidst several controversies surrounding the 2022 Beijing Olympics, the Korean public and netizens were angered when a performer dressed in hanbok was included in a representation of China's minor ethnic groups during the opening ceremonies on February 4th. Koreans interpreted the use of hanbok in that context as part of several attempts in Chinese media to misrepresent elements of Korean culture and tradition as being Chinese in origin. Since then, several Korean celebrities such as BTS's Suga, SNSD's Hyoyeon, and veteran actor Han Sangjin have posted pictures of themselves in hanbok costumes and outfits to social media. These posts have consistently received anger and hate comments from Chinese netizens claiming Chinese roots to Korean culture and Chinese cultural superiority.

Among those to receive the most backlash were Park Shinhye, who previously posted pictures of herself dressed in wedding hanbok to celebrate her marriage to actor Choi Taejoon, and Chungha.


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Sources: Park Shinhye IG 1 2, Chungha IG, CHUNG HA_Official, 엑스포츠 뉴스 (OP's translations)