Controversy Over Chinese Marching in 'Military Uniforms' at Hangang Park... Seoul Metropolitan Government Expresses 'Deep Regret' Over Unauthorized Event

[Financial News] Recently, controversy has arisen after Chinese individuals were spotted marching in what appeared to be military uniforms at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government stated that the event was held without official permission and expressed its regret.
According to Newsis News Agency, Yonhap News Agency, and other sources on the 19th, a video has been circulating on social networking services (SNS) showing people dressed in Chinese military-style uniforms marching in step with a red flag bearing Chinese characters at Yeouido Hangang Park, sparking public debate.
The footage showed a group of Chinese marching together to Chinese songs, with some participants wearing what appeared to be military uniforms.
It was later determined that the controversial video captured scenes from an international walking exchange event jointly organized by the Korea Culture Exchange Agency and the China Health Walking Sports Association at Yeouido Hangang Park on October 31.
As the controversy grew, a representative from the Korea Culture Exchange Agency told Yonhap News Agency, "The Chinese individuals in the video are ordinary citizens participating in a walking club, with about 150 people involved," adding, "In China, it is not uncommon for club or team members to wear camouflage-patterned attire or chant slogans for identification and order. The outfits in question are not military uniforms at all."
The agency later explained in a press release, "This event was a cultural and sports exchange trekking program voluntarily registered by walking clubs from various regions of China," and clarified, "The purpose was to experience Korea’s natural and urban landscapes and to promote friendship between the two countries through walking, with no political or symbolic intent whatsoever."
Nevertheless, a citizen identified as Mr. A filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Government after witnessing the event.
Mr. A stated, "Around lunchtime on October 31, 2025, a group of Chinese wore what looked like Chinese military uniforms and held a large-scale marching event near the dock at Yeouido Hangang Park," and questioned, "Was this event authorized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government? If so, why was an event involving Chinese marching in military uniforms permitted?"
He further pressed, "If it was not authorized, does this mean that the Yeouido police or the relevant authorities were completely unaware? Shouldn’t there at least be a protest to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Korea?"
In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government explained, "All events at Hangang Park are subject to strict prior approval procedures by the Hangang Park Information Center and the relevant headquarters department," adding, "If an unauthorized event is detected, immediate sanctions are imposed."
The city further stated, "This event was conducted without any of the necessary prior approval procedures or consultation with Hangang Park authorities."
The Seoul Metropolitan Government added, "Participants marched in uniforms reminiscent of military attire, causing discomfort and anxiety among park visitors. We express our deep regret regarding this incident." The city also emphasized, "To prevent a recurrence, we have posted banners in Hangang Park, will enforce stricter approval procedures for events, and will strengthen patrols to ensure that unauthorized events do not inconvenience citizens."
The Korea Culture Exchange Agency also stressed, "Moving forward, we will strengthen prior guidance and coordination to prevent emotional misunderstandings regarding cultural expressions or attire from different countries," and pledged, "We will fulfill our responsibility to foster more mature cultural exchanges."
newssu@fnnews.com Kim Soo-yeon Reporter