Chinese Embassy in South Korea on Thursday congratulated Hwang Dae-heon after he claimed the first gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games for South Korea, which came following a fierce controversy between Chinese and South Korean netizens over penalties on Hwang and another South Korean skater during the 1,000-meter semifinal on Monday.   

On behalf of the embassy and Chinese Ambassador in South Korea Xing Haiming, the spokesperson of the embassy congratulated Hwang for winning the gold medal in the 1,500-meter men’s single short-track speed skate on Wednesday night.

Chinese people also expressed positive comments on Hwang’s winning, which indicates the sincere friendship between the Chinese and South Korean people, the spokesperson noted.

The true charm of the Olympics is not only the "higher, faster, stronger" competitive level it presents, but the spirit of “togetherness” it carries, the spokesperson said, wishing Chinese and South Korean athletes more achievements at the Beijing 2022.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-South Korea diplomatic ties. The spokesperson also called for greater development in bilateral ties amid the Beijing 2022 and the anniversary.

Hwang claimed the gold in two minutes and 9.219 seconds to beat Canada's Steven Dubois by 0.035 seconds in a tight finish. 

It came after Hwang and his teammate Lee June-seo were disqualified for making an illegal late pass and lane change, respectively, in the semifinals of the men's 1,000 meters on Monday night, which soon caused controversy. 

Unlike the controversy following the penalty two days ago, Hwang’s win earned respect from Chinese netizens, who said that it showed Hwang's real ability without controversy, which is how the Games should be played.   
 
Global Times