"Kimchi and Ssambap Are Korean" Hamzi's Statement... Chinese Agency Calls It "Highly Insulting" and Terminates Contract

Agency of Zhong: "Damaged Our Company's Trust in Chinese Fans and the Party"

Mukbang (eating broadcast) YouTuber Hamzy. / Photo by YouTube broadcast capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A famous YouTuber faced fierce criticism from Chinese netizens after stating that "kimchi and ssam are Korean culture." Following the growing backlash, the YouTuber was also notified of contract termination by a Chinese agency.

Hamji (31, real name Ham Jihyung), a mukbang (eating broadcast) YouTuber with over 5.29 million subscribers, posted a video on the 15th showing herself eating bibimbap and baek kimchi on her YouTube channel.

However, under this video, comments criticizing Hamji from Chinese netizens and replies from Korean netizens defending her continued to appear.

It is reported that Hamji began receiving criticism from some Chinese netizens starting in November last year. At that time, Hamji posted a video eating dishes such as spicy stir-fried pork with snails and ssambap (rice wrapped in leafy vegetables). Under that video, a comment read, "I was angry after seeing videos claiming that ssam culture belongs to them (China), but I am glad Hamji posted a video wrapping ssam." Hamji expressed agreement by liking this comment.

Hamji responded to some Chinese netizens' criticism by posting a comment to the effect that 'ssam culture and kimchi are naturally Korean culture.' / Photo by YouTube capture

However, Hamji's action was shared on the Chinese social networking service (SNS) Weibo. Subsequently, some Chinese netizens visited Hamji's videos and left critical comments.

As the criticism continued, Hamji responded on her YouTube channel, saying, "It seems my agency apologized because it was reported that I insulted all Chinese people, but I naturally think kimchi and ssam are Korean foods," adding, "I believe it is unreasonable for this to become a subject of controversy."

Official statement released on the 17th by Ssamzie's China agency. / Photo by Internet Community Capture

Amid the growing controversy, Hamji's Chinese agency recently notified her of contract termination. On the 17th, Hamji's agency released an official statement saying, "Hamji's recent insults toward China have had a very serious and adverse impact on the Chinese public," and "We have decided to officially terminate all cooperation starting today."

They continued, "Her remarks that hurt Chinese fans have seriously damaged the emotions of Chinese fans and our company's trust in the Party," emphasizing, "Our company firmly opposes insults toward China and will definitely protect the dignity of Chinese people from all attitudes and remarks that insult China."

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