The concluding text on Sino-South Korean relations will focus on the challenges in cultural interactions, where even pandas can spark outrage.

Cultural Relations

On the other hand, as local brands gain popularity in China, the recognition of Korean brands has relatively declined, and consumer preference for domestic products has increased. Consequently, Samsung and LG exited the Chinese market in 2019 amid growing competition, a shift in consumer preferences towards domestic goods, and geopolitical tensions affecting business operations.

The Battle Over Cultural Heritage: New Episodes

Disputes over cultural appropriation and claims of heritage continue. For instance, a music video by the K-pop girl group IVE faced criticism from Chinese online users, who accused the group of appropriating their culture by incorporating too many Chinese cultural elements that Koreans had “borrowed”.

Conversely, So Kyung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, voiced strong objections to a decision made by local authorities in China’s northeastern province of Jilin to include the traditional Korean dish bibimbap on their list of cultural heritage items, viewing this as another attempt to claim Korean heritage. “China insists that since ethnic Koreans are one of its national minorities, their cultural elements are part of Chinese culture. By this logic, the culture of Chinese immigrants living in Korea should be considered part of Korean culture.” Shockingly,........

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