User blog comment:General tiu/Korea: who was he, and can he still be saved?/@comment-2004850-20100604192608

I agree, that's not overly sensitive---it's valid criticism. I think it makes most sense if Korea was just given a personality makeover. Some stuff can still be kept (why not allow him to call China an older brother, but have it almost thrust upon him without his consent so that he attempts to break away from a "younger brother" title?), but overall, I'd suggest removing anything that seriously delves into a personal issue. If Hetalia doesn't mention the holocausts or rights movements or anything like that, then it's only fair that they don't with Korea. I will say, it's pretty much known here that Japan did commit some terrible war crimes against both China and Korea; when I read the strip about him falsely accusing Japan of crimes, it did kind of sound a red alarm in my head.

At the same time, I think some Koreans went too far, beyond the regular "I wish it wasn't like...." and "it's unfortunate that...." and "why can't Himaruya do...". Free speech still applies, especially with this; I don't think Himaruya necessarily meant to be offensive towards Koreans. It's a stereotype, but unlike the other countries, only really seems to apply to Japan. The American and Canadian stereotypes of Korea aren't anything like that, and it goes beyond just poking fun.

Maybe it's why he wasn't mentioned, though. Perhaps Himaruya is working on his character and will add him when he's come up with an acceptable character. I'll admit...Even though other countries have stereotypes, Korea does seem to be picked on more. And not like America not having a world map or England being an ex-delinquent or France being a perv...Big stuff. Maybe Himaruya can make him a bit more like the rest and explain some past strips. S. Korea: Kites are awesome! They were invented in Korea! President: Quit saying that! You do realize that was just China spreading lies to decrease support for us?!

Something like that. The truth is there, Korea is still fun, and it explains his past actions. In the mean time, I think it'd be a good thing to spread what you know. Sometimes it might be difficult to grasp concepts when you're unfamiliar with them, such is the case with a lot of the English-speaking fanbase. I wasn't aware of some of that, I guess partly because I don't know too much about Korea (oh, but I read some manhwa!) and some of the strips are more subtle. A Korean or Japanese person might get it, but others probably wont.