CHINA has been accused of “cultural appropriation”, after a performer wearing a Korean traditional dress appeared at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics yesterday.

The Games grand opening featured a young woman carrying a Chinese flag in a pink and white hanbok as part of a group of other performers representing the ethnic groups in the country.

China has one of the largest populations of overseas Koreans in the world, and both countries share deep cultural links.

But the hanbok’s appearance sparked anger online in South Korea, with many accusing China of “stealing” the country’s culture.

Leading South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, of the ruling Democratic Party, condemned the “cultural appropriation”.

His main opponent, Yoon Suk-yeol, also accused Beijing of being “disrespectful” in its decision to feature the dress, urging Seoul to seek an apology from China.

South Korean Culture Minister Hwang Hee, who attended the opening ceremony, said Seoul has no plans to officially complain to Beijing over the costume.

But, he added, the issue “may create misunderstandings” between the two countries.

Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, said the incident will serve as an opportunity to “introduce our traditional culture to people around the world”.

“Our history and culture must be protected by ourselves,” said the activist on Facebook.

China and South Korea have often clashed over cultural heritage issues.

China’s efforts to label kimchi – a staple Korean cuisine made of cabbage – as a variant of Chinese pickled vegetables known as pao cai sparked fury in South Korea, where the side-dish is a much-loved accompaniment to almost every meal. – AFP, February 5, 2022.