Chinese Archaeological Find 'Shows Korean Influence'

A pair of small figures excavated in Jilin Province, China clearly show ancient Korean influences, a historian claims in a recent paper likely to jolt regional studies.

In his paper, Prof. Kim Min-ku of the University of Minnesota said that the gilt bronze figures, excavated in eastern Jilin during the Japanese colonial period, were created in the 2nd to 3rd century, when the ancient Korean kingdom of Buyeo occupied the area.

Both of the figures have slender faces with a fierce look and almond-shaped eyes. Kim adds that the 17.9 cm-high face of an ancient man has a topknot and holes in his earlobes, probably for earrings -- the customs of ancient Korean people.

He believes they were used as decorations for weaponry or harness.