Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi's first electric car, Xiaomi SU7 model, is seen at a shop in Hangzhou, in eastern China's Zhejiang province, March 25. AFP-Yonhapd

An eight-month research project found that suspected Chinese accounts have allegedly manipulated online public opinion on Korean industrial sectors that compete with Chinese firms, according to the private research Sunday.

The research showed that 77 suspected Chinese accounts on Naver, Korea's dominant internet portal, had "systematically" uploaded replies that harassed Korean industries in the fields of cars, chips, batteries, smartphones and others.

The research was conducted by Kim Eun-young, a police administration professor at Catholic Kwandong University, and Hong Suk-hoon, an international studies professor at Changwon National University, between July 2023 and August this year.

In the research, the two professors said, "It is the first time that confirms systematic replies by China on the domestic economic sector."

A staff member wipes a Hyundai Motor electric car Ioniq 5 on displayed at the World Climate Industry Expo (2024 WCE) held at BEXCO in Busan, Sept. 4. AFP-Yonhap

The professors said they were able to track down IDs presumed to be part of the rigging operation, which showed common patterns, including text that appeared to have been translated from Chinese.

The research suggested that the 77 Naver accounts were divided into two groups, with key participants seemingly coordinating to collectively post comments.

YouTube also had 239 suspected Chinese accounts posting as many as 2,698 comments on a single news article, the research showed.

The research alleged that repeated comments were posted in favor of Chinese products, such as automobiles, chips, batteries and smartphones, while simultaneously downplaying their Korean rivals.

Such comments also reflected narratives similar to those promoted by Beijing and its state-run broadcaster, China Central Television.

The comments further sought to divide public opinion by instigating gender, regional and political conflicts, while showing "significant consistency" in the use of derogatory terms.

The comments also sought to instigate a sense of dismay toward the Korean government, while undermining the credibility of the media by attacking the outlets themselves rather than the content of the news.

"Recognizing that China's threat of cognitive warfare has become a new form of non-physical conflict, the government needs to proactively develop responsive measures," the professors said. (Yonhap)