Boycott Japan: How young South Koreans keep the anger alive

Activists motivated more by fun than fury as social media campaign kicks in

20191026 SOUTH KOREA JAPAN UNIQLO

A university student stands outside a  Uniqlo store in Seoul on Oct. 22. The sign on the left, protesting the Uniqlo TV ad, reads: "Colonial rule 80 years ago -- we remember!" © Reuters

SOTARO SUZUKI, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- Campaigns calling for a boycott of Japanese products sprout up in South Korea every time relations between the neighbors hit a rough patch. They are typically short-lived.

This time is different. Consumers' anger toward Japan, which ignited in the summer, still smolders. Behind the current boycott's staying power is young people who have kept up the momentum through social media.

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