Widespread Anti-China Sentiment Among South Korean Youth
In a recent survey, four out of ten young South Koreans in their 20s and 30s identified China as the most disliked country. The anti-China sentiment was particularly prominent among women in their 20s and those aged 19-24.
Survey Details and Results
To mark its 20th anniversary, Kuki News commissioned Hangil Research, a polling agency, to conduct a survey on the least favored country. The survey was carried out over five days from the 1st to the 5th of the previous month, targeting 1,000 men and women nationwide aged 19 to 39. The results showed that 44.3% of respondents named China, followed by North Korea (25.6%), Japan (23.4%), and the United States (4.1%).
Anti-China Sentiment Across Demographics
The survey revealed that China was the most disliked country across all demographics, including age, gender, and social class. Notably, the anti-China sentiment was most pronounced among people in their 20s and among women. Specifically, more than half (51.6%) of those aged 19-24 disliked China, compared to 45.2% of those aged 25-29, 42.7% of those aged 30-34, and 32.5% of those aged 35-39, indicating that the aversion to China decreases with age. Among gender and age groups, 60.3% of women in their early 20s expressed dislike towards China, which is 16.7 percentage points higher than the 43.6% of men in the same age group.
Reactions from Online Communities
When this news was shared on the South Korean online community theqoo, many members, predominantly women with strong anti-Japan sentiments, found the results surprising. There was a significant discussion about Japan ranking third. Many comments expressed a general dislike for both Japan and China, with some preferring Japan less. Several users attributed the survey results to the current right-wing government, which is perceived to be more favorable towards Japan, influencing media portrayals positively towards Japan.
Reasons Behind the Dislike Towards China
Some respondents pointed out that China’s attempts to appropriate Korean culture and history through the Northeast Project fueled the anti-China sentiment. While historical grievances with Japan were acknowledged, they were seen as events of the past, whereas the dislike towards China was viewed as a current global phenomenon. Additionally, many South Koreans’ interactions with ethnic Koreans from China, known as Joseonjok, who are perceived negatively, contribute to this sentiment. Chinese people’s perceived lack of basic courtesy and understanding of other cultures also plays a role.
Contradictions in Anti-Japan Sentiment
One theqoo member highlighted the irony that while millions of South Koreans travel to Japan each year and enjoy Japanese products, they still harbor strong anti-Japan sentiments. When asked which country they would prefer to live in, most anti-Japan South Koreans would choose Japan over China. This contradiction underscores the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of the anti-Japan sentiment, especially among the left-wing groups.
Overall, the survey and subsequent discussions reflect a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and political factors shaping the perceptions of young South Koreans towards China and Japan.
Here’s a link to theqoo.Photographer: sun jib Source: Pixabay
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