How Sinophobia Becomes Patriotism: An Affective Analysis of Anti-China Rallies at Freedom-Univ.

• In Event: Student Forum Roundtables Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Roundtable 7: Race and Racialization

Abstract

This study analyzes the political mechanism by which Sinophobia in South Korea has evolved from simple dislike into a tool of "patriotism," particularly following the December 3, 2024, martial law incident. The research draws on a comprehensive dataset from the group "Freedom-Univ," including social media posts, comments, rally slogans, and interview transcripts from both online and offline environments. Theoretically, the research defines affect not as a mere psychological state but as a dynamic practice and an economy that organizes social relations and positions subjects in specific ways. Using these lenses, the study identifies four dimensions of transformation.

First, the sensory dimension reframes China as an object of physical disgust and extermination. Participants use dehumanizing terms like "cockroaches" and perform acts like tearing flags to purge perceived "pollution" from the nation. Second, political totemism sanctifies the United States and figures like Donald Trump as omnipotent saviors, securing transnational legitimacy. Third, boundary-drawing establishes a binary logic separating "patriotic citizens" from "traitors," where silence is framed as a sign of betrayal. Finally, the reconstruction of historicity links current actions to historical traumas like the March 1st Movement, positioning participants as "21st-century independence fighters.“

The analysis concludes that contemporary Sinophobia is a product of an affective economy designed to consolidate political support during crises. It warns that as long as citizenship is validated through exclusion and the demonization of the "Other," the politics of hate will continue to repeat, ultimately undermining democratic values and intensifying internal censorship.

Author

• Yeseul Nam, Yonsei University