The Gwangju Biennale’s fight over Taiwan’s pavilion name shows how quickly China’s diplomatic sensitivities can collide with cultural autonomy in South Korea, especially at an institution built around Gwangju’s democratic legacy.

With the 16th Gwangju Biennale due to open on Sept. 5, organizers agreed on Aug. 25 to restore the name “Taiwan Pavilion” after weeks of objections from Taiwan’s government, participating artists and other members of the international art community. The decision cleared the way for a Taiwanese exhibition that had come close to withdrawing altogether.

The compromise quickly created another problem. Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing expressed regret and