A South Korean youth group, Free University, has drawn national attention with protests that have ignited debate over rising Sinophobia in the country. Demonstrators were seen tearing Chinese national flags printed with portraits of President Xi Jinping and Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, while chanting slogans critical of Chinese nationals. The incidents have sparked widespread discussion about the limits of political expression in South Korea.
The protests intensified following the government’s September 7 announcement of a temporary visa exemption policy for Chinese tour groups, aimed at boosting economic recovery. The move triggered backlash among segments of the public opposed to visa-free entry for Chinese visitors, fueling broader debate over Seoul’s China policy.
President Lee Jae-myung addressed the controversy by drawing a distinction between freedom of speech and what he described as “disruptive behavior,” saying the demonstrations had crossed that line. His comments underscore the administration’s cautious approach to managing domestic dissent during a sensitive diplomatic moment.
The unrest comes as South Korea prepares to host the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Summit in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, where both Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump are in attendance. The protests and ensuing public debate present a delicate challenge for the Lee administration, which must balance domestic sentiment with diplomatic priorities. The situation highlights enduring tensions between South Korea’s economic engagement with China and the increasingly polarized public attitudes toward its powerful neighbor.
Source: BBC Chinese, October 28, 2025
https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/c8r0yjmpgzno/simp