China Now Targets Balhae Ruins for UNESCO Bid, Sparking Controversy

Is it true that China is now reportedly pushing to register Balhae ruins as a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes. According to Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University, the website of the Jilin Provincial Government in China states that it is pursuing the inscription of the Balhae city ruins and ancient tombs as a World Heritage site.

Chinese authorities have reportedly already drawn up concrete plans and are carrying out related projects.

Meanwhile, a short-form drama themed around Balhae's history is also being produced in China.

Utilizing actual filming and AI synthesis, the 20-episode drama is scheduled to be released later this month on major Chinese video platforms and TV channels.

Professor Seo stated that China appears to be using the drama to promote distorted history regarding Balhae and to shape public opinion in favor of its World Heritage bid. He added that he will launch a "Global Balhae Campaign" to properly inform the world about Balhae's history.

(Photo: Professor Seo Kyoung-duk's SNS)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.