23-8-2023 (BEIJING) X-Taekwondo Studio, a martial arts gym in Shenzhen, China, faced disciplinary action from the Chinese Taekwondo Association (CTA) after its taekwondo practitioners won first prize for a performance inspired by Qing Dynasty zombies at an international competition in South Korea. The gym’s performance was deemed by Chinese authorities as “desecrating” China’s national image and culture.
The CTA revoked X-Taekwondo Studio’s official association membership, resulting in the loss of its permit to host national taekwondo grading tests and competitions. The coach behind the unconventional performance, Mr. Liu Hao, had his credentials revoked and was barred from training or participating in association tournaments, according to a statement from the CTA on WeChat.
The controversial routine took place during the World Taekwondo Hanmadang, held in Seongnam, South Korea, from July 21 to 24. Videos circulated online showcased seven members from the Shenzhen gym performing in black robes resembling Qing Dynasty court eunuchs’ attire, complete with faux braids attached to their courtier-style headgear. Their routine featured jumping zombie-like movements alongside dance and taekwondo techniques, eventually transitioning to a traditional taekwondo uniform known as a dobok.
The CTA condemned the coach for incorporating elements from horror movies into the routine, alleging that it “made China’s image ugly, desecrated Chinese culture, and created a negative influence.” Furthermore, the CTA stated that Mr. Liu had entered the Hanmadang competition without informing the association, leading to a comprehensive inspection of national taekwondo practitioners.
In response to the incident, the taekwondo associations of Shenzhen city and Guangdong province had their official grading and qualification permits suspended for three years.
The CTA’s actions prompted mixed reactions online. While some criticized X-Taekwondo Studio’s performance as self-inflicted humiliation reinforcing foreign stereotypes of China, others praised the gym for its creativity and argued that China should take pride in their accomplishment.
References to Chinese zombies in court eunuch attire are common in popular culture, including films like “Royal Tramp,” starring Hong Kong comedian Stephen Chow, and music videos by Taiwanese superstar Jay Chou, such as “Eunuch With A Headache” and “Chinese Herbal Manual.”
In an online discussion on a Reddit forum focused on news from China, one user commented on the potential consequences for artists like Jay Chou if their work was released today, given the scrutiny of Chinese authorities.
