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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Taiwanese reporter wears 'China x Taiwan Media' sign to avoid anti-China backlash at South Korean protests

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A Taiwanese reporter covering protests in South Korea wore a sign identifying her as "China x Taiwan Media" to avoid being mistaken for Chinese state media.
  • The reporter explained that some protesters initially perceived her as Chinese and attempted to obstruct her reporting.
  • The incident highlights anti-China sentiment among some protesters and the challenges faced by foreign journalists in distinguishing their national identity.

A Taiwanese reporter covering protests in South Korea found herself in a peculiar situation, resorting to wearing a sign that read "China x Taiwan Media" to distinguish herself from Chinese state-affiliated journalists. The reporter, working for Taiwan's M News, explained that some protesters, fueled by anti-China sentiment, initially mistook her for a Chinese journalist.

"At first, many citizens noticed us reporting on-site and, because we were speaking Chinese, assumed we were Chinese media and tried to drive us away or even block our filming," the reporter stated. To clarify her identity and avoid further misunderstandings, she explained that she was from Taiwan. "Then, people gave us this sign to put on our bodies, which helped us resolve the misunderstanding."

At first, many citizens noticed us reporting on-site and, because we were speaking Chinese, assumed we were Chinese media and tried to drive us away or even block our filming. Then, people gave us this sign to put on our bodies, which helped us resolve the misunderstanding.

— Taiwanese ReporterThe reporter explained how she and her crew were initially mistaken for Chinese media and how they used a sign to clarify their Taiwanese identity.

The reporter shared her experience on social media, expressing gratitude for the public's support and understanding. She noted that while some initial confusion occurred, explaining her Taiwanese affiliation quickly resolved the issue, and no conflicts arose. The incident occurred amidst ongoing protests related to a ballot paper shortage in the June 3 local elections, where some participants have reportedly exhibited hostility towards police, questioning their nationality and demanding they identify as Chinese.

South Korean police have refuted these claims, stating that the officers involved were performing their duties legally. The protests have seen some participants confront police officers, demanding identification and making accusations. The Taiwanese reporter's experience underscores the complexities of navigating such sensitive political climates as a foreign correspondent, where national identity can be a point of contention.

Today, I am truly grateful for the warm attention and consideration you have shown.

— Taiwanese ReporterThe reporter expressed her gratitude to the public for their understanding and support during her coverage of the protests.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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