Anti-China sentiment is on the rise in South Korea, driven by younger generations, political grievances and past disputes — fueling protests and shaping Seoul’s strained relationship with Beijing.

When former president Yoon Suk Yeol tried and failed to impose martial law in December 2024, South Korea plunged into its worst political crisis in decades. Yoon's impeachment and the ensuing chaos provided fertile ground for disinformation to grow in a country already entangled in conspiracy theories.

South Korea’s political turmoil deepened as disinformation blamed China for Yoon’s impeachment, despite no evidence, reflecting rising sinophobia.

China should reconsider its refusal to attend the annual trilateral summit between Beijing, Japan and Korea, as the three nations have much in common.