台湾が韓国表記を「南韓」に変更、韓・中・台ネット民が舌戦「外交マナー違反」「当然の措置」
Taiwan's decision to officially change its designation for South Korea to 'Southern Korea' (南韓) has ignited a fierce online debate. South Korean netizens denounce it as a "breach of diplomatic etiquette," while some Taiwanese and Chinese users deem it "a justified measure" and "settling past scores." This emotional war of words highlights the complex and often sensitive nature of international relations, reflecting divergent national perspectives.
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The 'Southern Korea' (Namhan) Designation Issue
The term "Southern Korea" (南韓) has historically been used primarily by North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) to refer to South Korea (Republic of Korea) since the division of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea itself refers to its own country as "Korea" (한국) and North Korea as "North Korea" (북한). In the international community, "South Korea" is generally used, and in Chinese-speaking regions, it is typically rendered as "韩国." Taiwan's official change to "Southern Korea" is interpreted as more than a mere linguistic shift; it carries a diplomatic message. Countries close to North Korea or those intending to deny South Korea's legitimacy often use the designation "Southern Chosun" (南朝鮮). Therefore, Taiwan's adoption of this term implies positioning South Korea as "part of a divided peninsula." For example, similar to how China views Taiwan as "a province of China," Taiwan's move to emphasize South Korea as a "divided nation" could make South Korea feel that its independence and international status are being slighted, potentially causing diplomatic friction. In the past, there have been instances of heated mutual accusations between the two Koreas when a North Korean International Olympic Committee member referred to the South Korean delegation as "Southern Chosun."
The One-China Principle and Taiwan's Diplomatic Isolation
The "One-China Principle" is a diplomatic tenet asserted by the People's Republic of China, which claims that "there is only one China, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China." Due to this principle, many countries, when establishing diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, state that they do not recognize Taiwan (Republic of China) as a state or maintain official diplomatic ties with it. As a result, Taiwan has received extremely limited state recognition in the international community, leading to a state of "diplomatic isolation" where joining major international organizations like the UN is difficult. South Korea also severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1992 when it established diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. This event is said to have left deep scars on Taiwanese sentiment towards South Korea. The background to Taiwan's recent change of South Korea's designation to "Southern Korea" may involve a complex interplay of pressure it faces from China in the international arena and past grievances against South Korea in diplomatic relations. In other words, it can be seen as a form of "retaliation" or a "message" by emphasizing South Korea as a "divided nation," in response to its own isolation under the "One-China" policy. This can also be interpreted as a desperate measure by Taiwan to assert its identity and diplomatic position amid power games between major nations.
Online Public Opinion and the Clash of Nationalism
This designation change has sparked intense reactions online, deeply intertwined with emotions, particularly nationalism, within the domestic and international politics of Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Nationalism is a driving force that prioritizes a nation's history, culture, and interests over those of other countries, sometimes leading to exclusive sentiments. South Korean netizens strongly criticize Taiwan's diplomatic manners, feeling their country's designation has been "downgraded" and its dignity hurt—a clear manifestation of nationalistic sentiment. On the other hand, some Taiwanese netizens justify the change, citing dissatisfaction with South Korea's perceived pro-China stance (especially after the 1992 diplomatic break) and its past attitude towards Taiwan. This reflects their nationalism aimed at protecting their identity and sovereignty. Chinese netizens have shown diverse reactions: some interpret Taiwan's use of "Southern Korea" as a pro-China gesture, while others see it as a message to curb Taiwan's independence aspirations. With the spread of social media, such emotional debates instantly cross borders, fueling sensitive issues in international relations and sometimes risking escalation into diplomatic incidents. This illustrates a contemporary challenge where emotional conflicts between nations are exacerbated in the anonymous space of the internet.