Black Myth: Wukong Sparks Cultural Firing Line Between China and Korea

The game in question, "Hei Shi Hua: Wu Kong" or "Black Myth: Wukong", was officially released globally on August 20th. The game is an action role-playing game set in medieval China, and features a variety of iconic Chinese locations and mythological figures.

However, a video posted by a Korean YouTuber, in which they claim that the game's backgrounds and architecture are inspired by Korean landscapes and cultural heritage, has sparked outrage among Chinese netizens.

Many Weibo users have taken to the platform to express their skepticism and even outrage at the Korean YouTuber's claims. One user, responding to the video, asked "Mo? ? What are you talking about? You think you have the same culture and history as us? You're just jealous!" Others have pointed out that Korea's cultural heritage is much younger than China's, with one commenter saying "Your country has only been around for a few hundred years, and you think you have the same rich history as us?"

Other users have taken a more sarcastic tone, with one commenter asking "What historical and cultural heritage does Korea have? Your history is one of paying tribute to China!" Another user quipped "I think the Koreans have been eating too much kimchi, they're hallucinating now!"

The controversy has also sparked a heated debate about cultural appropriation and the importance of respecting and preserving one's own cultural heritage. One Weibo user commented "Why do Koreans always have to claim that they have the same things as us? Don't they have their own culture? Why do they always have to take ours?"

The original video has been viewed millions of times, and has sparked a wider conversation about the relationship between China and Korea, as well as the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect.

The game's developer has not commented on the controversy, but the incident has highlighted the complex and often contentious issue of cultural exchange and appropriation between countries.

In the words of one Weibo user, "If you want to talk about cultural heritage, at least have some respect for the country that it comes from. Don't just claim it as your own!"

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding "Hei Shi Hua: Wu Kong" serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect, particularly in the age of globalization and the increasing exchange of ideas and cultural practices between countries.

Netizens continue to fiercely debate the issue on Weibo, but it remains to be seen whether the controversy will have any lasting impact on the game's popularity, or on the ongoing conversation about cultural exchange between China and Korea.

The actions of the Korean YouTuber and the reaction of Chinese netizens has also raised questions about the wider cultural and historical context of the relationship between China and Korea, and the ongoing tensions and sensitivities that exist between the two nations.

As one Weibo user put it, "Maybe we should focus on preserving and respecting our own cultural heritage, rather than trying to take someone else's."

Another commenter added "Let's not forget, we are not just talking about a game, we are talking about the cultural identity of a nation."