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Why is Hetalia Banned in Korea?

Published in Hetalia Controversy Korea 2 mins read

Hetalia: Axis Powers faced significant controversy and was effectively banned or had its broadcast heavily restricted in South Korea primarily due to its portrayal of the Korean character and the historical context, particularly related to World War II.

The South Korean government and public took issue with several aspects of the character representing Korea, leading to widespread protests and the eventual decision to prevent its release or broadcast in the country.

Key Reasons for the Controversy and Ban

The main points of contention cited by the South Korean government concerning the portrayal of the character representing Korea include:

  • Inaccurate Clothing: The depiction of Korea's traditional clothing was deemed incorrect.
  • Inaccurate Birthday: The character's assigned birthday was considered historically inaccurate or inappropriate.
  • Ununderstandable Behavior: The overall behavior and personality attributed to the Korean character were viewed as nonsensical or not reflective of the nation.
  • Praise for Japan: A significant point of contention was the character's perceived praise or adoration for Japan. This was particularly sensitive given that the series is largely set during World War II, a period when Korea was under Japanese colonial rule and was forcibly integrated into the Japanese empire. This historical context amplified negative perceptions of any positive portrayal of Japan by the Korean character.
Aspect of Portrayal South Korean Objection Impact
Incorrect Clothing Historically inaccurate Cultural misrepresentation
Inaccurate Birthday Factual discrepancies Perceived disrespect
Ununderstandable Behavior Unfitting character traits Negative national image
Praise for Japan Highly sensitive due to WWII history Fueling historical grievances

These concerns collectively led to a strong negative reaction from South Korean authorities and the public, resulting in the series being largely inaccessible through official channels in the country. The controversy highlights the ongoing historical sensitivities between South Korea and Japan, particularly regarding the colonial period and wartime actions.

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