Hwang Kyo-ik Criticizes Korean Broadcasting for Airing Bat Consumption Scenes, Mentions Seolhyun

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] Hwang Kyo-ik, a taste columnist who sparked controversy by claiming that Korea also consumed bats, has now mentioned Seolhyun, a member of the idol group AOA.

On the 29th, Hwang wrote on his Facebook, "Before the novel coronavirus, there were sufficient news reports that bats transmitted viruses such as SARS, MERS, and Ebola, but Korean broadcasts showed scenes of bat consumption on prime time," adding, "It was produced as an interesting mukbang and achieved high ratings, and there were no reports pointing out virus or hygiene issues."

He then cited an article stating that Seolhyun appeared on the SBS variety show 'Law of the Jungle' in April 2016 and ate bat meat.

Hwang said, "Recently, as the novel coronavirus spread widely in China, bat consumption has been used as a tool to discriminate against and hate Chinese people," adding, "The fact of eating bats is the same, but the reactions to that fact differ. I hope people take time to ask themselves why this is happening."

Earlier, on the 28th, Hwang had claimed on his Facebook, "As it became known that the novel coronavirus originated from bats, some people have expressed hateful remarks about Chinese people who consume bats," and "Koreans also ate bats in the past and were no different from the Chinese now."

Meanwhile, some netizens who saw Hwang's post responded coldly, saying, "What nonsense is this, bringing up articles from 40 to 50 years ago?" and "Is there a need to belittle our own country Korea like this? I am curious about the intention."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.