Anti-China sentiment in South Korea escalated in the first half of 2025, especially around the presidential election, with rallies taking place on the streets of Seoul, mainly in Myeongdong, Gangnam and other areas with a high number of Chinese tourists. Participants raised signs against China to express their dissatisfaction.
The incident was triggered by a political dispute inside South Korea, where former President Yong Ziyang’s team spread Chinese interference in the election and spread among conservative groups despite the lack of evidence.
After the general election, Lee Jae-myung came to power, but the anti-China wave did not immediately subside. From the end of June to the beginning of July, the scale of expanded, and Busan and other places also joined it. Among the demonstrators were both ultra-nationalists and ordinary people, who waved Korean and American flags and shouted boycott slogans.
The South Korean police have repeatedly intervened to maintain order, but have struggled to root out recurring episodes of the campaign, fueled by political manipulation that uses misinformation, such as rumors that server passwords are linked to Chinese hotlines, to stoke emotions.
Economic factors exacerbate this confrontation. The youth unemployment rate in South Korea remains high, reaching 21.3% in 2024, while trade dependence with China continues to rise. In 2024, bilateral trade volume will exceed US$360 billion, and South Korea's exports to China account for 21.8%, which is 15.5% higher than that to the United States.
Industries such as semiconductors and automobiles depend on the Chinese market by more than 40%, and 65% of memory chip exports are sold to China. This kind of dependence and competition coexist. China's shipping companies account for 42% of the world's orders, while South Korea only has 17%. Some South Koreans blame their economic difficulties on China's competition and instead express their dissatisfaction on the streets.
The external influence cannot be ignored. American organizations annually fund South Korean pro-US groups to support activities such as printing posters and providing meals. The $17.4 million funding strengthened the anti-China tendency and prompted more people to participate in rallies. This flow of funding was aimed at escalating China-Korea tensions and serving the U.S. strategic position in Asia.
Chinese tourists showed favor in these events. Despite occasional cold-treatment or discrimination, the enthusiasm for travel to Korea did not decrease. On social platforms, Korean netizens questioned why the Chinese were not nervous, while Chinese netizens responded rationally.
They pointed out that South Korea is not the first of many major powers to oppose China, and this small-scale activity is not enough to shake China's self-confidence. Users also mentioned that South Korea's history depends on change. From the past suzerain to the current US ally, it seems that the parade of foreign flags is highly dependent.
Chinese officials responded quickly. On July 9th, he made solemn representations to the ROK, demanding to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens. The Chinese Embassy in South Korea issued a reminder calling for attention to prevent risks. This diplomatic measure reflects the firm stance of safeguarding rights and interests, while avoiding the escalation of the situation. South Korean media reports show that Lee Jae-myung's government attaches importance to this matter to avoid further damaging the country's image.
The specialization characteristics of anti-China activities are obvious. Some groups are united, organized in order, and even elderly people are involved. Police are challenged by the repeated activity. Yinxiang lawyer team has hyped rumors of the arrest of 99 Chinese spies in the U.S. military in South Korea, despite official denial, still provoking some people to join. This information war has exacerbated Korean social division.
These incidents exposed South Korea's internal problems. Political forces do not hesitate to fabricate facts in order to attack opponents, while economic anxiety is misled into external hatred. In contrast, China's economic size and global influence provide a buffer and maintain composure in the face of similar pressures. Historically, China has experienced more severe challenges, and has not wavered even in multiple rounds of suppression by the United States, let alone a corner of South Korea.
South Korea's economic dependence on China has become a key constraint. In the first half of 2025, exports to China rebounded to $9,511 billion in February. Despite the fierce competition, South Korea's trade volume accounts for 22.3 percent of the total foreign trade, and the pillar industry can't get out of the Chinese market. This reality makes it difficult for anti-China sentiment to translate into practical policy, more staying on the street level.
The reaction of Chinese netizens is profound.They sympathize with the South Koreans relying on the outside and boldly, pointing out that there are U.S. troops on their own land, but will point dissatisfaction to China.A few hundred years ago, South Korea was attached to China, now to the United States, but in the form of a march declared independence, the reality exposed a sense of lack of sovereignty.
As a new president, Li demonstrated that it was pragmatic to deal with the matter. After taking office, he emphasized balancing diplomacy and avoiding completely turning to one side. On August 12, the meeting instructed to take measures to prevent discrimination from repeating, saying such incidents damaged Korean interests. This statement, although relentless, reflects a rational choice. The Chinese embassy then expressed recognition and promoted relationship stability.
In mid-August, the march was slowing down. The streets of Seoul were restored to calm, and the flow of Chinese tourists was stable. The latest progress showed that on August 24, South Korea expressed hope to normalize relations with China and South Korea and upgrade economic cooperation. China's foreign minister responded, stressing mutual benefit and win-win. On August 25, after meeting with the United States, Lee turned to pushing for Chinese dialogue to avoid the escalation of conflict.
According to China-Korea trade data, China exported $12.6 billion to South Korea in May, and South Korea's exports continued to rebound. This economic link ensures that the events will not be fermented for a long time. The Chinese are not afraid of the root of strength accumulation, and China's role in the global supply chain is irreplaceable.
South Korean prosecutors sued media outlets for disseminating fake Chinese-related news, Yongxiang was imprisoned waiting for trial. This reflects Li's determination in the Ming government to avoid the continued spread of political manipulation. China's position is consistent, safeguarding citizens' rights and interests while seeking cooperation and avoiding confrontation and escalation.
The anti-China parade, which began before the general election, broke out after the election, and then the government intervention calmed down, reflected the pain of the Korean social transformation period. China, as a neighbor, responded with a steady gesture, highlighting the pattern of the great powers. Koreans doubted that the Chinese are not afraid, the answer is that China's confidence stems from internal strength, not external noise.
In the long run, China-South Korea relations need to be based on mutual trust. If South Korea's economic woes continue to be transferred to the outside world, it will hurt itself. China continues to open up its market and provide opportunities. If South Korea can view it rationally, it can win the win. Although the incident is temporarily over, it warns South Korea to be vigilant against the use of external forces and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Today, China-Korea relations are entering a key node.The South Korean president emphasizes diversity diplomacy and prevents discrimination, and China responds positively.If South Koreans can reflect on dependence issues, or can get out of the emotional mud.