Canadian Network Draws Online Backlash After Taekwondo Mix-Up Goes Viral
A recent social media post by TSN, a Canadian sports channel, sparked debate after labeling a Taekwondo training video as “NINJA TRAINING?” The caption conflated a Korean martial art with medieval Japanese mercenary agents ? two traditions with completely different origins and meanings.
The mistake drew quick criticism online. Many viewers said a global sports network should recognize Taekwondo, especially since it has been an official Olympic sport since 2000 and counts millions of practitioners worldwide. Others compared the incident to similar labeling errors on international platforms, such as when Netflix used “Sea of Japan” instead of the East Sea in certain subtitles.
This incident is not the first time an accredited entity has misidentified Korean martial arts. During the Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee mistakenly tagged a Taekwondo match with a “JUDO” hashtag before correcting the post. Experts say these errors show how often people abroad still mix up Asian martial arts.
Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University noted that the incident shows “how common it is for foreigners to misunderstand Taekwondo’s roots.” He added that while public frustration is understandable, offering clear, constructive correction is more effective than expressing anger.
TSN, founded in 1984 as Canada’s first dedicated sports channel, has not yet issued an official apology. Still, the controversy has encouraged teens and global viewers to think more carefully about cultural accuracy, especially in an era when information and news spread instantly across borders.
For young readers, it is a reminder that misinformation can appear anywhere ? and responding thoughtfully is part of being a responsible global citizen.
Blair For The Junior Times junior/1765419343/1613367844
1. What mistake did TSN make in its social media post?
2. Why do experts believe these mistakes continue to happen abroad?
3. When did Taekwondo officially become an Olympic sport?
4. Who criticized the incident and explained why misunderstandings happen?
1. What cultural mistakes online bother you the most when you see them?
2. How would you respond if you saw a global channel misidentify your culture?
3. Do you believe global networks should be more careful with terminology?
4. Do you think people your age pay enough attention to cultural details?
A recent social media post by TSN, a Canadian sports channel, sparked debate after labeling a Taekwondo training video as “NINJA TRAINING?” The caption conflated a Korean martial art with medieval Japanese mercenary agents ? two traditions with completely different origins and meanings.
