South Korea’s Anti-CCP Sentiment at All-Time High Over Disqualification of Two Speedskaters at Beijing Olympics

Beijing is under international scrutiny over several allegedly biased disqualifications seemingly to benefit the home nation.

Sjinkie Knegt (L) of Team Netherlands, Daeheon Hwang (C) of Team South Korea, and Wenlong Li (R) of Team China compete as Shaolin Sandor Liu (Back) of Team Hungary falls during the Men's 1000 m Quarterfinals on day three of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games at Capital Indoor Stadium on Feb. 7, 2022 in Beijing, China. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

South Koreans are angered by the disqualification of two of its short-track speedskaters at the Beijing Games just weeks ahead of its presidential election during which the debate topics were centered around the country’s relationship with China.

The skating dispute crossed over into politics as South Korean presidential candidates—locked in heated campaigns ahead of the election—called out the Olympic host for allegedly stealing medals in a sport the country has proudly dominated for years.

The 2022 South Korean presidential election is scheduled for March 9, and in the run-up, foreign policies are the main topic of debate. Locked in a tight race, the leading candidates clash over their approaches to U.S. and China diplomacies amid growing anti-Beijing sentiment around the globe.

However, the disqualification of two South Korean short-track speed skaters at the Beijing Games last week has fueled further anger among Korean nationals.

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The skaters, Hwang Dae-heon and Lee June-seo, were disqualified in the 1,000-meter semifinals on Feb. 7. Hwang is the second-ranked 1,000-meter skater in the world this season and had been a strong medal contender.

Shaolin Sandor Liu (L) of Team Hungary and Juneseo Lee (R) of Team South Korea react after skating during the Men's 1000 m Semifinals on day three of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at Capital Indoor Stadium on February 07, 2022 in Beijing, China. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

These controversial referee rulings at the Beijing Olympics have received particular scrutiny because many have seemingly benefited the home nation, allowing Chinese players to win at least three medals, two of them gold.

Both Hwang and Lee were seemingly distraught by the decisions, blowing through the media zone after their races without stopping to speak with the South Korean journalists waiting to interview them.

The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the disqualifications and seeks a sit down with IOC (International Olympic Committee) President Thomas Bach.