[On-site Video] "No Problem" vs "Needs Review" Ban on Tteokbokki Sales in Front of School? Citizens' Opinions

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "Isn't it okay to just eat Tteokbokki?", "If it's too stimulating, I think it's better to reduce consumption."

Hwang Kyo-ik, a taste columnist appointed as the president of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, sparked a controversy over the so-called food safety of Tteokbokki by claiming that "Tteokbokki is junk food with unbalanced nutrition and a stimulating taste."

On the 19th, Hwang posted on his Facebook, stating, "Although late, Tteokbokki should now be designated as a 'prohibited food in front of schools.' The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety should correct this."

Civic opinions are divided. On the same day (19th), Kim (23), whom we met at the so-called 'Tteokbokki Street' in Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, said, "I think it's okay to eat even if it's high-calorie and low-nutrition," adding, "If we remove all unhealthy foods, nothing would be left, and if teenagers want to eat it, they should be given freedom."

A company employee in their 20s, A, said, "I don't think Tteokbokki should necessarily be removed from in front of schools," adding, "In our generation, there was always a Tteokbokki shop in front of schools." He emphasized again, "I don't think Tteokbokki is that bad for the body."

A company employee in their 30s, B, said, "Times have changed," adding, "When I was young, even harmful foods were sold in front of schools, but now they are sold less. From that perspective, I don't think it's entirely wrong."

He also said, "I don't fully agree with Hwang Kyo-ik's opinion, but I don't think it's something to view very negatively," adding, "Students who want to eat it will probably go outside the Green Food Zone anyway."

A company employee in their 30s, C, said, "It is necessary to review to what extent Hwang's claim is valid or not," adding, "Rather than opposing unconditionally, a serious review is needed." He further argued, "If it is found that Tteokbokki is harmful to minors and children and adolescents, it is necessary to restrain and reduce it."

Regarding this, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated that Tteokbokki has "never been designated as a 'prohibited food in front of schools,' nor are there plans to add it in the future." A ministry official explained, "Tteokbokki is a special cooked food, not a processed food, so the serving size and cooking methods vary greatly. Therefore, it cannot be definitively classified as a banned item."

Meanwhile, Hwang withdrew his candidacy for the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization on the 20th. It has been eight days since the first announcement of his candidacy on the 13th. On the same day, he posted on his Facebook, saying, "I will relinquish the position of president candidate of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization," adding, "It is unreasonable to work as the president of the organization while engaging in a wasteful debate."

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