Following EVERGLOW Yiren's controversy, other Chinese idols like SEVENTEEN Jun and The8, as well as aespa NingNing are drawing scrutiny for also not doing the Korean big bow. But why is it big deal in the first place?
From SEVENTEEN Jun to aespa NingNing: Chinese Idols Criticized for Not Doing Korean Big Bow
On February 15, articles titled "Chinese members who do not bow because of Chinese customs" were posted on various online Korean communities.
In particular, the root of the issue started when girl group EVERGLOW held a fan meeting event during New Year. Unlike other members who gave a big bow to fans, Wang Yiren, a Chinese member, did the Chinese-style greetings instead.
ALSO READ: EVERGLOW Yiren Draws Mixed Reactions for Not Doing Korean New Year Greetings
The female idol then received negative feedback in return, urging her to go back to China if she'll not acknowledge Korean culture.
Due to this, the other Chinese idols and some of those who were pointed not doing the Korean big bow, SEVENTEEN Jun & The8 and aespa NingNing, received scrutiny.
In an episode of MBC Every1's "Weekly Idol," the male idols just stood and bowed their backs while the other members knelt on the ground.
aespa NingNing was also seen refusing to do the bow in some of their live broadcast, starting a heated debate among people on the web.
Reason Chinese Idols Don't Do Big Bow, and Why Koreans Are Disappointed
READ MORE: KMCA Raises THIS Question Following EVERGLOW Yiren's Korean Bow Controversy
Due to this, a clash between Koreans and Chinese web commenters happened. The two sides explained that this is a big deal as their culture and customs are involved.
In traditional Chinese culture, bending your knees is the worship of someone and represents loyalty and respect for the other person. Chinese bow only to the heavens, earth and their parents. It is known that being forced to bow by others is considered an act of shame in China.
In response, Chinese netters are praising the aforementioned idols for not bowing in Korean.
On the flip side, Korean netizens who encountered the Chinese members' "refusal to bow" responded with criticism such as "Isn't it because Korea is 'below' them?" "If you don't want to follow the culture of our country, go out," and "I just all of want you to go back to China!"
In context, Korean big bow is also known as "Keun Jeol" where "jeol" means bowing down on knees. Different from China's customs, this is an etiquette practice in Korea, which shows respect to family and colleagues particularly on formal occasions such as New Year.
What do you think about this issue?
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Written by Eunice Dawson
