Seoul hails President Lee's critique of 'anti-China fake news'

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has directly challenged a news report alleging a surge in Chinese purchases of apartments in Seoul's Gangnam district, labeling it as "intentional fake news" likely created to fuel anti-China sentiment. His strong public criticism, made via social media, has drawn positive attention from Chinese state-affiliated media and Beijing's ambassador to Seoul, who see it as a potential step toward improving bilateral relations.

The report in question, which claimed Chinese nationals had "stormed" to buy 944 apartments in Gangnam, was dismissed by Lee as baseless. He stated that official figures showed only five such purchases in the district between January and April. Lee questioned the media outlet's motives, asking how inciting anti-China sentiment could benefit the nation and its people.

This stance by President Lee is seen by some Chinese experts as a departure from previous South Korean administrations, which they argue allowed anti-China sentiment to grow, damaging bilateral ties. Zhan Durbin, director of the Center for Korean Peninsula Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times that Lee has taken a firmer and more frequent stance against anti-China discourse within South Korea. Zhan also refuted claims of Chinese interference in South Korean elections as "absurd" and emphasized that anti-China rhetoric benefits no one, advocating for freer expression to foster healthy public opinion and improve relations.

The article points to a history of similar unsubstantiated claims circulating in South Korean politics and public discourse. These include accusations of Chinese citizens exploiting social welfare systems, engaging in "election shopping," and manipulating the real estate market. Despite evidence often contradicting these narratives—such as data showing a surplus in the health insurance fund contributed by foreigners, including Chinese nationals, and restrictions on voting rights for non-citizens—these claims have been used to stir up public anger and anti-China sentiment. President Lee's direct intervention aims to curb this trend, which he argues is harmful to both countries.