Is Korea still a shrimp between whales?
England is a lion. Russia is a bear. China a dragon. America an Eagle. And so on. But what about Korea? What animal best represents the people and the culture? One of my favourite stories comes from Lee Tae-woong’s fabulous KBS documentary on the 1988 Olympics. The country had to choose an official mascot for the event. Something that would be made into toys and posters and spread around the…
England represents the lion, Russia the bear, China the dragon, and America the eagle, among others. Yet, what animal embodies the essence of Korea and its culture? One beloved tale originates from Lee Tae-woong's captivating KBS documentary on the 1988 Olympics. The nation faced the task of selecting an official mascot for the event, with the intention of producing toys and posters that would be disseminated globally.
Suggestions encompassed ginseng, the Silla crowns, Cheomseongdae, Goryeo pottery, and even jangseung, the quirky wooden guardians placed at village entrances. Alas, the design committee harbored a secret desire for a rabbit to be chosen to symbolize Korea.
During that era, Korea's image contrasted significantly with its modern counterpart. Rather than today's glamorous Gangnam district, global perceptions of Korea were influenced by events such as the Gwangju uprising, political oppression, and nearly three decades of authoritarian rule. By selecting a rabbit as the Olympic mascot, there was an aspiration to soften Korea's image, rendering it more approachable, friendly, and even endearing.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Is Korea still a shrimp between whales? koreatimes.co.kr
