Controversy Over 'Misogynistic Finger' on Cheongyang Chili Pepper Product Packaging... Apology Met with "Still Won't Buy" vs "Quick Response"

Chicken breast sausage that sparked controversy over 'misandry'. Photo by Online Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Amid ongoing controversies over 'misandry' spreading mainly through advertisements in the distribution and food industries, a packaging design of a product sold by the chicken breast specialty brand Ranking Dakcom has now become the center of controversy.

On the 24th, posts raising issues about the packaging design of 'Eatmate Chicken Breast Sausage Cheongyang Chili Flavor' sold by Ranking Dakcom were continuously uploaded on online communities such as FM Korea.

The claim originated from the fact that the hand shape on the upper right corner of the controversial product's packaging resembles an image used to belittle the male genitalia of Korean men.

In response, netizens expressed strong anger with comments such as "It's really a betrayal in a place with many male customers," and "Creepy. I'm going to unsubscribe."

Those raising the issue particularly pointed out that unlike the bent finger on the Cheongyang chili-flavored sausage, the finger shape on the upper right corner of another product in the same line, 'Eatmate Chicken Breast Brown Rice Fried Rice,' is straight.

Netizens who saw this responded coldly with comments like "Is this a coincidence? It's too blatant," and "Right above the word chili, it's 'that finger.' I'm cutting ties." Meanwhile, some pointed out that the controversy is excessive, saying "Now if a finger appears, it's misandry," and "Designers must be having a hard time," noting that fingers appear on products other than the 'Cheongyang Chili Flavor Sausage' as well.

An apology posted by Ranking Dakcom on their official website regarding the emerging controversy over 'misandry.' Photo by Ranking Dakcom official website capture

As the controversy intensified, Ranking Dakcom issued an official apology on the 24th through its official website, stating, "We sincerely apologize for causing discomfort due to the Eatmate products," and "We fully empathize with customers' opinions that there is a problematic aspect in the package design."

They continued, "We deeply regret the failure to properly manage and supervise the product packaging that could cause misunderstandings within the company, and we will clearly identify the cause through an internal audit by related departments to ensure that the same issue does not occur again."

They also added, "We plan to immediately replace the controversial product packaging entirely," and "We will conduct a thorough internal investigation of all products again. If you report any parts you think need improvement, we will promptly reflect them."

On the 25th, they posted a follow-up notice titled 'Eatmate Controversy Follow-up Measures' and apologized again, stating, "We sincerely apologize once again for causing discomfort due to Eatmate products," and "We are in the process of modifying the designs that caused the controversy, and the work is expected to be completed within today."

Netizens have shown mixed reactions to this apology. Some responded positively, saying, "I like the full replacement and thorough investigation. They handled it well," and "The response is quick and good. Still, the person in charge should be properly held accountable."

On the other hand, some hinted at a boycott with comments like, "Yeah, but I feel bad and won't buy it," and "There are many other chicken breast options. I can just switch to another brand." There were even posts about unsubscribing from YouTubers sponsored by the brand. Since similar issues have recently caused controversies at GS, BBQ, Musinsa, and others, this matter is not settling down easily.

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