Korean nationalism

I'm not very impressed with really strong nationalists at any time. However, the whole Hwang Woo-suk fiasco was a particularly sickening example of nationalism gone mad, not just because of his actions (which were plenty bad enough), but more for the large numbers of Koreans from all walks of life and, in many cases, in positions of authority who were upset, claiming that calling Hwang into question was a slap at all Koreans and at Korea's image. The negative pressure on the news team that broke the story was outrageous. And, still, after all of the evidence of wrongdoing, people protest.

Now I'm not sure if the translation was accurate, but let's assume that it is reasonably close. What does it mean when someone says, "We pulled out your hair in the name of Korea"? Anyone who thinks that this kind of behaviour is appropriate and somehow enhances Korea's standing is an idiot. This behaviour is infantile.

Hwang's fans show violent streak

February 23, 2006 ㅡ Supporters of disgraced stem cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk became violent yesterday while protesting at Seoul National University. About 10 people in front of the school's main administrative building ― mostly women in their 40s and 50s ― pounced upon research department head Roh Jung-hye, spokeswoman for the investigative committee, as she tried to enter the building. Ms. Roh spoke on behalf of the school's investigative committee, which investigated Dr. Hwang's stem cell fraud case.
Some protesters grabbed Ms. Roh by the hair― pulling some of it out ― and threatened her with foul language. "We pulled out your hair in the name of Korea," one woman claimed. Ms. Roh was able to escape with the help of security guards and was taken to the school's clinic, and was reportedly only lightly bruised.
Yesterday was the third day Dr. Hwang's hard-core supporters have demonstrated at the university, since the school's disciplinary committee ordered the scientist to appear before the committee to give his final defense.
Claiming that the results of the university's committee investigation were invalid, the supporters began with a quiet picket on Monday, but cranked up the level on Tuesday, by shouting and throwing eggs at windows.

JoongAng Daily