A recent controversy has arisen over a Chinese TikToker who filmed a video mimicking Chun Doo-hwan in Gwangju. Last weekend, an online post titled “Chinese Person Filming TikTok with Chun Doo-hwan Cosplay in Gwangju” was uploaded. In the video, the man was seen wearing a jumper and military boots with his forehead exposed at various locations in Gwangju, such as Gwangju Songjeong Station.
He seemed to mock Gwangju citizens by waving a red stick in front of the Gwangju National Museum. He continued his disruptive actions in the same outfit in front of the Blue House. Earlier, on the 13th, he posted a video visiting the Blue House in the same outfit, mimicking former President Chun or shouting “President Chun Doo-hwan!”
The video sparked online debate, with netizens expressing anger over what they saw as acts of ridiculing and degrading Korea, saying: “It’s infuriating to see someone mocking Korea,” “If you read Han Kang’s ‘The Boy is Coming,’ you wouldn’t joke about May 18th,” and “Why cause trouble in another country? Deport him immediately.”
Meanwhile, on the 11th, during the AFC Champions League Elite 7th match between Shandong Taishan and Gwangju FC at the Olympic Sports Center in Jinan, China, some home fans caused controversy by displaying photos of Chun Doo-hwan towards away fans. Shandong fans were stopped by local security when they pulled out the photos.
Chun Doo-hwan, the former president, is a controversial figure held responsible for ordering the massacre of Gwangju citizens during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, making this a shocking action for players of Gwangju FC, which is based in Gwangju. In response, Gwangju FC stated, “This cannot be seen merely as a fan’s cheering method. It’s an act that demeans and ridicules the whole of South Korea beyond just Gwangju Metropolitan City,” and added that they would officially protest to the AFC and demand a thorough investigation and disciplinary action.
Shandong Taishan issued an apology statement, saying, “The rude actions of some spectators do not represent Shandong Taishan Football Club or Taishan fans,” and expressed deep regret and apologies to the Gwangju club and its fans for the inflicted harm.