[Summary] 'Kimchi Fairness' Controversy Reaches National Assembly... Heo Eun-ah Says "Embarrassed by Moon Government's China Dream"

"Chinese Youth Have Received Dongbukgongjeong Education for 20 Years"
"Dongbukgongjeong Season Two Is Not Something Happening in Museums"

On the afternoon of the 26th, Heo Eun-ah, a member of the People Power Party, attended the National Assembly plenary session wearing a hanbok and gave a thumbs-up in response to cheers from fellow lawmakers. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] On the 26th, Heo Eun-ah, a member of the People Power Party, attended the National Assembly plenary session wearing a hanbok. This was a protest against the government's lack of response amid recent controversies sparked by some Chinese media and internet communities claiming that Korean traditional culture originated in China. Heo argued that "current government officials relying on the 'Chinese Dream' are trampling on the pride of the Korean people."

During a 5-minute free speech at the National Assembly plenary session, Heo said, "We need to reflect on whether voluntary humiliation is accelerating China's cultural invasion."

She continued, "On the Chinese portal site 'Baidu' encyclopedia, the nationality of poet Yun Dong-ju is listed as 'Chinese' and his ethnicity as 'Joseonjok' (ethnic Koreans in China)," pointing out that "our poetry and spirit are being labeled as Made in China."

She added, "There are still young generations in China who have been educated with the distorted history of the Northeast Project for the past 20 years. Now, a 'second Northeast Project' is starting again by them," urging vigilance by saying, "China's Northeast Project Season Two by the new generation is not happening in museums or books."

Heo attracted attention from fellow lawmakers by attending the plenary session wearing a hanbok. The hanbok had recently become embroiled in controversy over claims by some Chinese netizens on YouTube and social media that it was influenced by the traditional Chinese costume 'Hanfu,' sparking debates about its Chinese origin.

Some Chinese media outlets and netizens claimed that kimchi originated in China, sparking controversy. / Photo by Yonhap News

These claims of Chinese origin are not limited to hanbok. Recently, some Chinese media have claimed that the Korean traditional food kimchi originated in China, sparking the so-called 'Kimchi Project' controversy.

The Chinese media outlet 'Global Times,' the English version of 'Huanqiu Shibao,' reported on November 24 last year that an international standard for the kimchi industry, led by China, was officially established.

At that time, the media reported that 'Pao cai,' a pickled vegetable dish from Sichuan, China, received approval from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), framing it as a humiliation for Korea, the 'home country of kimchi.'

This controversy over Chinese origin claims has also spread through internet communities such as YouTube.

On the 9th of last month, a Chinese YouTuber named Li Ziqi, who has 14 million subscribers, filmed herself making kimchi, and some Chinese media introduced it as 'Chinese food,' causing controversy. Li Ziqi had tagged her kimchi-making video with hashtags like '#TraditionalChineseCuisine' and '#ChineseFood.'

Meanwhile, Hamzy (31, real name Ham Jihyung), a mukbang (eating broadcast) YouTuber with over 5.29 million subscribers, recently stated, "Ssam (wraps), kimchi, and other dishes are Korean food, and the fact that such topics are causing disputes is absurd," but faced harsh criticism from some Chinese netizens.

YouTuber Hamzy is tasting kimchi during a 'mukbang' broadcast. / Photo by YouTuber Hamzy Channel Capture

As the controversy grew, Hamzy's Chinese agency notified her of contract termination on the 17th of last month. The agency's official statement said, "Hamzy's recent insults toward China have had a very serious negative impact on the Chinese public," and "from today, all cooperation will be officially terminated."

Meanwhile, the government announced that it would take this opportunity to promote Korea globally.

On the 25th, Hwang Hee, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said at a press briefing at the Government Seoul Office that the claim "'Kimchi is Chinese' is not the position of the Chinese government," drawing a clear line, and added, "Rather, this situation will become a driving force to introduce our culture to the world."

He emphasized, "We will actively promote and respond by investing financial resources and manpower. This should be used as momentum for the Republic of Korea to actively promote itself worldwide."

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