The operator of Seoul’s subway system has caught flak for describing Chinese tourists as “villains” when addressing a complaint about unruly riders and loud announcements at stations.
Replying to a grievance petition on tackling “excessive amount of Chinese announcements at subways and ancient palaces” posted on the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s website, Seoul Metro said “when two or more Chinese gather together, they can get noisy and make a ruckus, turning into villains”.
The state-run entity added it was “necessary to broadcast Chinese announcements encouraging order and good conduct on trains”.
The complainant also suggested that the foreign language advisory should only be in English.
In response, Seoul Metro said “we will review the possibility of broadcasting announcements only in Korean and English in the future”.
Social media users rebuked the company for singling out the Chinese, forcing it to apologise as backlash grew over the incident.
