1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the controversy surrounding an outdoor brand, Arc’teryx, that held a fireworks show in the Tibetan Himalayas, which is believed to have caused environmental damage to the sensitive high-altitude ecosystem. The article explores the reactions and responses from the public and authorities regarding this incident.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 불꽃놀이 | bulkkotnolli | fireworks | The colorful fireworks created the shape of an “ascending dragon”. |
| 환경 훼손 | hwangyeong hweseong | environmental damage | The fireworks display was criticized for potentially damaging the sensitive high-altitude ecosystem in Tibet. |
| 아웃도어 브랜드 | aut-deo beuraendeu | outdoor brand | Arc’teryx, a Canadian outdoor brand, held the controversial fireworks show in the Tibetan Himalayas. |
| 승천하는 용 | seungcheonhaneun yong | ascending dragon | The colorful fireworks created the shape of an “ascending dragon”. |
| 식생 파괴 | siksaeng pagoe | destruction of vegetation | Critics argued that the fireworks display likely caused damage to the sensitive vegetation in the high-altitude region. |
| 자연 생태계 | jayeon saengtaegye | natural ecosystem | The fireworks display was criticized for potentially harming the natural ecosystem of the clean and pristine Tibetan region. |
| 위법 여부 | wibeob yeobu | legality | The authorities in Shigatse announced that they would investigate whether the fireworks display was illegal. |
| 사과문 | sagwamun | apology | After the controversy, Arc’teryx posted an apology on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
중국 티베트 히말라야 고산지대에서 유명 아웃도어 브랜드 아크테릭스가 불꽃놀이 쇼를 선보여 환경훼손 논란에 휩싸였다.
The famous outdoor brand Arc’teryx held a fireworks show in the high-altitude Tibetan Himalayas, sparking controversy over environmental damage.
형형색색의 불꽃이 ‘승천하는 용’의 형상을 만들며 터졌고, 바로 옆에선 주황색과 흰색의 화려한 불꽃이 산등성이를 따라 연발했다.
Colorful fireworks created the shape of an “ascending dragon,” while vibrant orange and white fireworks burst along the mountain ridges.
이 쇼는 해발 약 4,600ｍ에서 약 5,000ｍ 지점까지 이어졌다.
The show took place at an elevation of approximately 4,600 to 5,000 meters.
불꽃놀이 영상 공개 후 중국에서는 ‘고산지대의 민감한 식생 파괴 등 청정 지역인 티베트의 자연 생태계가 악영향을 받았을 것’이라는 비판이 거세졌다.
After the fireworks video was released, China saw intense criticism that the sensitive high-altitude vegetation and the pristine natural ecosystem of Tibet were likely harmed.
그럼에도 논란이 가라앉지 않자 지난 21일 시가체시 당국은 불꽃놀이의 위법 여부 등을 조사하겠다고 밝혔다.
As the controversy did not subside, the authorities in Shigatse announced on the 21st that they would investigate the legality of the fireworks display.
해당 홍보 영상을 삭제했던 아크테릭스 측은 소셜미디어 웨이보(중국판 엑스)에 사과문을 게시했고, 차이궈창 역시 사과했다.
After deleting the promotional video, Arc’teryx posted an apology on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform, and Cai Guoqiang also apologized.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- Where did the controversial fireworks display by Arc’teryx take place?
- What was the main criticism against the fireworks show?
- What was the response from the authorities in Shigatse?
- How did Arc’teryx and Cai Guoqiang react to the controversy?
- What is the background of Arc’teryx as an outdoor brand?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Tibetan Himalayas are a sensitive high-altitude region with a fragile ecosystem. The use of fireworks in this pristine environment was seen as a potential threat to the local flora and fauna. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between the pursuit of commercial interests and the need to protect the environment, especially in culturally and ecologically significant areas like Tibet.