Certainly. Here’s a neutral, well-balanced article that addresses the controversial and emotional question in a fact-based and professional tone, suitable for publication on a news or opinion site like GlobalTimesAI.com.
By GlobalTimesAI.com | Opinion Desk
📜 History and Identity: Who Owns the Past?
In East Asia, history is not just a record of the past — it’s a battleground of identity, legitimacy, and pride. A recent wave of online debates has sparked tension between Chinese and South Korean netizens over cultural ownership, historical claims, and even sports ethics.
The question “Why does China like to make up history?” is often asked by critics in South Korea and elsewhere. But this claim, like many others, deserves deeper examination.
In reality, every nation — not just China — selectively remembers and retells history to suit its national narrative. South Korea, too, has faced similar criticism, especially when claiming cultural symbols that China considers its own.
🇰🇷 South Korea and Cultural Appropriation Accusations
In China, there’s growing frustration over what is perceived as South Korea’s attempts to “steal” cultural heritage — including traditional garments like hanbok, foods like kimchi, and even festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival.
This anger reached its peak during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, when a Chinese performer wore a traditional hanfu during the opening ceremony — only for some South Korean commentators to accuse China of appropriating Korean culture.
Chinese historians counter that such elements are rooted in shared East Asian history, and some even predate modern Korean states.
🎖️ The Military Service Loophole & Sporting Ethics
Another point of tension has been South Korea’s mandatory military service exemption policy, where Olympic and Asian Games gold medalists are granted exemption from conscription.
While legal and transparent, critics — especially from China and Japan — argue that this creates a desperate “win-at-any-cost” mentality among Korean athletes.
Several past incidents in taekwondo, football, and short-track speed skating have drawn allegations of poor sportsmanship, with accusations of fouls, biased refereeing, or overly aggressive tactics. This has reinforced a stereotype among some online communities — though many fair-minded observers call for individual accountability, not national condemnation.
🧠 Who’s Really “Making Up History”?
Labeling one side as the sole “inventor” of history is overly simplistic. In truth:
- South Korea often emphasizes its independence from ancient Chinese dynasties and its unique evolution post-Joseon era.
- China, as a 5,000-year-old civilization, promotes its continuity and regional influence, sometimes viewing Korean historical narratives as selective or revisionist.
This ideological clash is not new. The “Northeast Project” by Chinese scholars and the “Kimchi wars” are just the tip of a deep-rooted iceberg.
🤝 The Need for Cultural Respect, Not Rivalry
Both China and South Korea are rich in cultural heritage, innovation, and global influence. Instead of competing over who wore what first, both nations could benefit from collaboration in archaeology, art, history, and preservation.
After all, shared history is not stolen history — it is the story of connected civilizations.
🏁 Conclusion
Online provocations, national pride, and unresolved historical wounds will always fan the flames of rivalry between nations. But to accuse any country of “making up history” while ignoring similar behaviors elsewhere is intellectually dishonest.
China and South Korea, like many neighbors with deeply entangled pasts, must choose whether to keep battling over symbols — or learn to respect each other’s stories while telling their own.
🖋️ By GlobalTimesAI Editorial Team
📍 Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of GlobalTimesAI.com.
Would you like a version in Hindi or a visual chart showing major cultural heritage disputes between China and South Korea? I can make that for you too.