North Korea's Bid for Taekwondo Expected to Win UNESCO Intangible Heritage Listing… Criticism Emerges in South Korea
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Korean media reported that Taekwondo, which North Korea had applied to have listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is expected to be officially inscribed soon.
Taekwondo originated in South Korea and is a martial art and sport widely known around the world. For this reason, the news has drawn the attention of many people.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage is a system designated to protect cultural practices that people have passed down through generations, such as performing arts, traditional skills, and festivals. Being listed on this system can help in promoting and preserving the relevant culture. North Korea applied for Taekwondo to emphasize that it is a culture that has continued in North Korea for a long time. If the listing becomes possible, Taekwondo's international status is expected to rise further.
However, within South Korea, voices of criticism have also emerged regarding this decision. Some argue that because Taekwondo is a culture that developed in South Korea, it is not right for North Korea to apply for it by putting it forward. On the other hand, there are opinions that cultural heritage does not belong to any single country. Attention is also gathering on how the government and related organizations will respond to this issue.
Sources: NHKニュース
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