Seen in this screenshot is the the game play screen of characters wearing "hanbok," or traditional Korean attire, one of the items released in the game "Shining Nikki" by Chinese gaming company Papergames in 2020. Korea Times file

A Chinese gaming company that previously faced backlash in Korea for supporting Chinese users who claimed "hanbok" (traditional Korean attire) as Chinese in origin in a dress-up mobile game is now facing calls to be banned from releasing its next game in Korea following a four-year hiatus, according to Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor who is known for his efforts to promote Korea globally, Wednesday.

"The Chinese gaming company that suddenly suspended its service in Korea after supporting Chinese netizens' claims that hanbok was Chinese traditional clothing is now trying to return with the release of their new game, after four years," Seo, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, said.

China-based game company, Papergames, is currently accepting preregistrations for "Infinity Nikki," the latest installment in the "Nikki" series, through their international brand Infold Games.

However, in 2020, when the company released a hanbok costume item to commemorate the Korean launch of its previous game "Shining Nikki," Chinese users criticized the decision, claiming that the hanbok is not traditional Korean clothing, but rather of Chinese origin.

Papergames not only effectively accepted these Chinese users' criticisms about why the item was exclusively available to Korean users but also took a stance criticizing Korean customers, drawing severe condemnation here.

"As a Chinese enterprise, Papergames' stance always aligns with that of its motherland," Papergames announced at that time. "We oppose all actions that harm national interests and will actively fulfill our responsibilities and mission as a Chinese enterprise."

After that, the gaming company removed the hanbok items and provided refunds, then unilaterally terminated their Korean service only within two months of the launch.

"The Chinese gaming company's attempt to quietly release a sequel in Korea is an act of deception toward Korean gamers," Seo said. "Relevant authorities must deny the release of this sequel. We need to set a good precedent this time to prevent such incidents from recurring."

Currently, "Infinity Nikki" is undergoing procedures to begin service in Korea. According to the Game Rating and Administration Committee, an agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism that reviews games, "Infinity Nikki" received a rating making it suitable for ages 12 and above.

Hanbok and the lifestyle of wearing hanbok have persisted in various forms throughout a long history and tradition in Korea, representing the national identity and values as a traditional custom. This costume's use can be traced back to ancient times through related artifacts and records, including tomb murals from the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-668 A.D.) that occupied half of the Korean Peninsula and part of northeastern China, as well as Chinese historical documents.

Basic hanbok is composed of a "jeogori" (top), paired with "baji" (trousers) or "chima" (skirt). Today, this attire is still worn during holidays and special occasions like weddings, and modernized versions of hanbok have been adapted for everyday wear.

In 2022, the Korea Heritage Service designated hanbok and the culture of wearing and enjoying hanbok, known as the hanbok lifestyle, as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.