Seokyoung-deok: “Lunar New Year is a shared cultural tradition in Asia” – Global companies’ labeling controversy revisited.
On a recent overseas concert stage, the New Year’s greeting by singer G-Dragon sparked strong backlash from Chinese netizens. The controversy began with the expression “Lunar New Year.” According to a report by the South China Morning Post, G-Dragon greeted the audience with New Year wishes on January 17th (local time) at the “Crazy Super Concert” held in Dubai, UAE. He referred to the “Lunar New Year” on stage, which some Chinese fans found problematic because it was expressed as “Lunar New Year” rather than “Chinese New Year,” which is China’s biggest holiday.
The issue grew when it was reported that Chinese idol singer Cai Xukun, who was on the same stage, greeted with the term “Chinese New Year.” The media noted this was perceived as a betrayal by his fervent Chinese fans and detailed various online reactions.
As the controversy spread, Seokyoung-deok, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, also shared his view. On social media (SNS) on the 2nd, he pointed out that “the baseless claims of Chinese netizens are becoming more severe” and insisted that “the Lunar New Year is not unique to China but is an Asian cultural tradition.”
Professor Seo further noted, “Chinese netizens have reacted more fiercely to the expressions used by global companies and stars,” and emphasized that “G-Dragon, who used the correct term without being swayed by Chinese fans, is truly a global star.”
He continued, “The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for many Asian countries. In China, it’s known as ‘Chun Jie,’ in Korea as ‘Seollal,’ and in Vietnam as ‘Tet.'” He urged, “From now on, Chinese netizens should learn global manners that respect the cultures of other countries first.”
Previously, there was controversy when Apple used the term “Chinese New Year” on its official website and content. At the time, Professor Seo emphasized that “since the Lunar New Year is a holiday celebrated by various Asian countries such as Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines, it should be referred to as the Lunar New Year.” He stressed that “it is essential to correct the perception that global companies are introducing the common cultural practices of Asia as solely Chinese culture to the world.”