The tetchiness over a relatively obscure sport underscores the intense competition between the Asian superpower and the scrappy, high-tech democracy that has thrived despite the ever-present threat from China’s ally North Korea.Ĭhinese nationalists say that over the centuries, Koreans have adopted Chinese customs and sought to make them their own. Hwang and teammate Lee Juneseo had been disqualified in the semifinals of the 1,000 two days earlier, prompting the South Korean contingent to complain to the International Skating Union and International Olympic Committee.
And Hwang Daeheon won gold in the men’s 1,500 meters on Wednesday, giving South Korea its fourth such title in six Olympics. A protest was filed, and South Koreans online called for the team to withdraw in protest. South Korea was angered by the disqualifications of two of its short-track speedskaters at the Beijing Games this week. SEOUL, South Korea (AP)Chinese and South Korean short-track speedskating fans are duking it out online over allegations of foul play, tapping into the historical rivalry between their countries.