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Taiwanese anchor mistaken for Chinese media at South Korea protests, identity reversal leads to support

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A Taiwanese news anchor was initially mistaken for Chinese media while covering protests in South Korea, leading to hostility.
  • Upon clarifying her identity as Taiwanese, the situation dramatically reversed, with local citizens showing support.
  • The incident gained significant attention, with the anchor appearing on South Korean television and being interviewed by local newspapers.

A news anchor from Taiwan's Mirror News faced initial hostility while covering protests in South Korea after being mistaken for Chinese media. Anchor Chang Pei-tzu and her cameraman, Wang Keng-chen, traveled to the protest site on June 7 amid escalating local elections disputes that sparked large-scale demonstrations in Seoul.

During a live report, Chang's use of Mandarin led some agitated protesters to believe she represented Chinese media. She was surrounded and faced attempts to drive her away, with some shouting for her to leave if she were Chinese. Displaying professionalism honed from her background as a social affairs reporter, Chang immediately clarified that she was from Taiwan.

If it's Chinese media, then leave.

— ProtestersShouted at the Taiwanese anchor during the initial misunderstanding.

This clarification prompted a swift and positive shift in the crowd's attitude. Local citizens began applauding and cheering, with some even creating signs in Korean that read "Taiwanese media interviewing" to prevent future misunderstandings. The incident transformed into a moment of solidarity.

The unexpected encounter garnered significant attention, with Mirror News's coverage being featured on KBS News, one of South Korea's major television networks. Seoul Shinmun and Chosun Ilbo newspapers also interviewed Chang on location. Protesters even read aloud Mirror News's reports during rallies, receiving applause from the audience. Chang shared that she had been mentally prepared for such situations, recalling a previous experience covering an emergency declaration announcement while on vacation in South Korea in late 2024.

If the company sends someone to Korea to interview, will it be me?

— Chang Pei-tzuReflecting on her preparedness for unexpected reporting situations, recalling a past experience.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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