How important is Jackson Wang's step in voicing Chinese culture?

On February 19th, the luxury international brand Armani posted a New Year greeting on social media, using the term “Lunar New Year.” When Jackson Wang, the brand’s global ambassador, saw this, he didn’t just like the post as usual; instead, he directly commented, “Happy Chinese New Year.” This seemingly simple act carries profound significance.

Many people may not understand the difference between these two expressions. “Lunar New Year” is a common term for the Lunar Calendar New Year, covering multiple Southeast Asian countries and representing a cultural commonality. “Chinese New Year,” on the other hand, specifically refers to the Spring Festival in China, reflecting cultural uniqueness and identity. In recent years, some well-intentioned individuals have promoted the use of “Lunar New Year,” gradually blurring the direct connection between the Spring Festival and Chinese culture. This seemingly harmless choice of words subtly erodes cultural awareness.

Cultural Persistence as a Brand Ambassador

Jackson Wang faced a dilemma: as Armani’s global ambassador, he could choose to ignore it and continue enjoying commercial benefits. But he didn’t. He decisively corrected the brand in the comments, which was more than a simple correction—it was a proactive voice for Chinese culture on the international stage. His courage is commendable—daring to point out issues publicly, not fearing damage to business relationships, all to ensure cultural expressions are accurate.

This choice was immediately responded to. The brand later corrected the wording, reflecting their attention to market reactions and highlighting Jackson Wang’s significant influence among international fans. Thousands of fans supported this correction in the comments, creating a powerful cultural wave.

The True Responsibility of International Stars

The real significance of Jackson Wang’s action lies in demonstrating the correct attitude for domestic stars going international. It’s not about blindly catering to international aesthetics and commercial interests, but about firmly representing one’s cultural stance on the global stage. He proved through action that embracing international opportunities can coexist with cultural confidence—these are not mutually exclusive.

As more international stars are willing to speak up for their culture, this power will gradually change global perceptions of Chinese culture. Jackson Wang is not just a spokesperson but a cultural envoy—this is the highest level of international influence.