South Korea Protests Historical Figure at Nagoya Asian Games
South Korea's Olympic Committee filed a complaint with Nagoya Asian Games organizers after a welcome performance featured a performer dressed as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Japanese warlord who invaded Korea in the 1590s, citing cultural insens
South Korea's Olympic Committee has filed a complaint with the Nagoya-Aichi 2026 Asian Games organizers, citing not only logistical issues but also a serious lapse in cultural and historical sensitivity. During a traditional welcome performance for the South Korean team at Nagoya port before boarding the cruise ship Costa Serena, one performer dressed as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the feudal warlord who led the Japanese invasion of Korea during the Imjin War (1592–1598), which caused lasting historical damage and wounds to Korea.
The South Korean Olympic Committee has submitted a formal protest letter and filed a complaint with the Olympic Council of Asia, arguing that the action was inappropriate. They emphasized that using a controversial historical figure associated with invasion at an international sporting event that emphasizes friendship and peace represents a significant failure in cultural and historical sensitivity.
The Games organizers clarified to Yonhap news agency that they had no intention of specifically endorsing any historical figure or conveying any particular historical message, and pledged to exercise greater caution going forward to ensure all programs and activities are appropriate for an international sporting event.
