Recently, Chinese broadcaster Zhang Yuan, who faced severe criticism for claiming that Korea stole Chinese culture, has come forward to clarify his statements.
On the 27th, Zhang Yuan posted a short video on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. In the video, he explained, “I just arrived in Korea and was shocked to find that I was on Korea’s real-time search results and all three major Korean media outlets mentioned me.”
He continued, “I was deeply shocked. Those words were not my intention. A team member informed me that numerous plans and opportunities have all been canceled. Give me some time. I want to express my true feelings,” he pleaded.
He added, “The principle I uphold is that I hope for better relations between the people of both countries. Emotional matters should be resolved.”
Previously, Zhang Yuan stated on a social media broadcast that he would “soon visit Korea” and “ask Koreans about stealing Chinese culture.”
He also said, “I want to know what Koreans think, so I might do street interviews,” and “I will ask about Chinese elements such as the Dano Festival, Confucius, Chinese characters, and Chinese festivals. I’ll ask, ‘Do you think all of these are Korean?'” This comment drew heavy criticism.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yuan gained recognition in Korea by appearing on the popular JTBC variety show Abnormal Summit in 2014. He also appeared on JTBC‘s Where is My Friend’s Home and TV Chosun‘s Three Kingdoms until 2017, before returning to China.
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