Civic activists hold a rally near the Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong, Seoul, Friday, demanding punishment for Chinese security guards who assaulted two Korean photojournalists in Beijing, Thursday. / Yonhap



By Yi Whan-woo



Public sentiment toward China is worsening here after two Korean photojournalists were beaten by more than a dozen Chinese security guards during a trade event attended by President Moon Jae-in in Beijing, Thursday.



The incident came a day after a dispute about Moon being greeted by Chinese Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Kong Xuanyou upon Moon's arrival at Beijing for a state visit.



Kong's rank is disputed because China previously sent its vice foreign minister or upper-level officials to greet heads of state visiting the country.



Under the circumstances, the attack on Korean photographers agitated feelings here that China is still humiliating and mistreating Korea despite the agreement they reached in October to end the row over the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery deployed in Korea.



Citing a statement issued by the Korea Professional Photographers Association in protest of Thursday's attack, the opposition accused China, Friday, of "committing violence against the Republic of Korea."



"It should be made clear the pride of our people is severely bruised," said Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the second-largest opposition People's Party. "Korean diplomacy cannot hang its head in shame."



The party floor leader Kim Dong-cheol claimed the attack "was an atrocious act that should never happen in the civilized world."



"The ruthless attack on journalists in the President's press pool by private security guards would not have been possible unless the Chinese government looked down on us," he said.



Kim pointed out the security guards were reportedly from a private company hired by the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) exclusively for the trade event attended by Moon. KOTRA officials said the Chinese People's Armed Police introduced the firm to them.



Kim also pointed out President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese leadership were not present when Moon arrived in Beijing, Wednesday, but instead attended a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre.



"This is another sign of China mistreating Korea. From day one, Moon's visit has been a series of mistreatments, humiliations and shames," he said.



Main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) Chairman Hong Joon-pyo echoed a similar view separately.



"The Chinese leader was not there after inviting a state guest. This is no more than paying tribute to a Chinese emperor," he said.



The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) called for stern measures regarding the attack on Korean photographers. But it positively assessed China's overall hospitality for Moon amid the criticism.



Regarding Kong, Rep. Song Young-gil, a China expert in the DPK, said, "He is virtually a top-ranking and very important official."



Meanwhile, the People's Party chairman pointed to Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Korean Ambassador to China Noh Young-min for failing to prevent the violence, Thursday.



He asked Moon to sack both Kang and Noh once he returns to Seoul.

