A publicity stunt involving South Korean girl group Blackpink and a cuddly baby panda has prompted outraged comments and calls for an apology from some in China. The endangered animals are native only to China, which claims ownership over all pandas loaned to foreign zoos, including those born abroad. “K-pop” bands such as Blackpink are hugely popular in China, as well as in South Korea, Japan and elsewhere. Last month, Chinese nationalists unloaded on South Korean boy band BTS after its leader thanked Korean War veterans for their sacrifices. In comparison, China completely destroyed the Chinese business of South Korean retail and entertainment giant Lotte after it provided land in South Korea for a US anti-missile system opposed by Beijing.

Source: Irish Independent November 13, 2020 09:22 UTC