Singer G-Dragon is facing criticism from Chinese fans after offering a "Lunar New Year" greeting at an overseas performance.
On Feb. 28, Hong Kong outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that G-Dragon used the expression "Lunar New Year" during a recent Dubai performance, provoking outrage from Chinese internet users.
According to the report, on the 17th G-Dragon took the stage as the headliner at the "KRAZY Super Concert" held at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He mentioned that the day was "Lunar New Year" and repeated the word "Lunar" three times. Chinese fans poured criticism on G-Dragon for greeting with "Lunar New Year" instead of "Chinese New Year."
In particular, anger from Chinese fans reportedly intensified after it was revealed that immediately after the concert G-Dragon had liked a social media post defending the term "Lunar New Year."
In this regard, Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, posted on his social media on the 2nd, "The baseless and forced claims of Chinese netizens are getting worse day by day. That is because 'Lunar New Year' is not unique to China but a cultural practice across Asia," strongly criticizing Chinese fans.
He said, "In particular, Chinese netizens have reacted more strongly to the expressions of global corporations and stars, and G-Dragon, who used the correct expression without worrying about Chinese fans' sensibilities, was a true global star."
He continued, "Recently the official New York Times social media clearly explained, 'The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in many Asian countries — known as Chun Jie in China, Seollal in Korea and Tet in Vietnam' — and added, "From now on, Chinese netizens should first learn 'global manners' that respect other countries' cultures."
Meanwhile, last month G-Dragon held his first solo fan meeting, "2026 G-DRAGON 'FAM' MEETING [FAM+ILY : FAMILY : FAM I LOVE YOU]," meeting fans at home and abroad.
[Photo] Galaxy Corporation
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