Nationalism and Cultural Identity: Unravelling Disputes over Culture Ownership between China and South Korea

In recent years, debates and concerns surrounding the “ownership of culture” have gained prominence in both China and South Korea. This article examines the root causes of this phenomenon through the lens of nationalism, contrasting with existing research that mainly focuses on the heated discourse and its political and economic contexts. This analysis delves into the formation and construction of modern nationalism in the two countries, the flourishing cultural nationalism in both countries today, and the influence of the globally prevailing neo-nationalism in the 21st century on their respective nationalisms. Through the examination, this paper uncovers the dynamics of contemporary nationalism in both countries, highlighting the inevitability of clashes on the issue, and exploring the underlying reasons behind the heightened attention and escalating tensions. The study contributes to the understanding of the complexities and implications of nationalist sentiments in East Asia, thereby shedding light on the broader implications for culture ownership debates in an increasing globalised world.