[Issue Summary] ‘Rotten Kimchi’ Controversy... Kimchi Master Representative Facing Possible Disqualification

[Asia Economy Reporter Seunggon Han, PD Jingeun Yoon] "Who would want to eat rotten kimchi?"

Criticism has surged over allegations that a subsidiary of comprehensive food company Hanseong Food manufactured kimchi using substandard ingredients, raising concerns about so-called "rotten kimchi."

According to an MBC report, whistleblower A submitted footage of workers handling napa cabbage and radish at a kimchi factory in Jincheon, Chungbuk. The video, recorded multiple times from October last year to January this year, shows workers handling discolored or moldy napa cabbage and radish in poor condition, with comments such as "It smells sour" and "I won't eat this."

As the controversy grew, Hanseong Food issued an apology on the 23rd under CEO Kim Soon-ja’s name, stating, "We sincerely apologize to consumers for the hygiene issues related to our subsidiary 'Hyowon’s' kimchi production reported on the 22nd." They added, "Regardless of legal actions, we have immediately shut down the factory in question and begun investigating the cause," and "We have also temporarily suspended operations at our directly managed factories in Seosan, Busan, and Jeongseon."

Citizens expressed disbelief. Kim, a man in his 40s who said he frequently eats kimchi, stated, "This is not just any kimchi, but the master’s kimchi," and raised his voice, saying, "They should not only compensate for damages but also be stripped of their master certification." Another office worker in his 30s, Park, pointed out, "Not only adults but children likely ate this, so I don’t know how they plan to compensate for the damage. It’s utterly disgraceful."

The government has launched an on-site investigation into Hanseong Food’s factory, which is suspected of producing kimchi with substandard ingredients. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 24th through a reference document, "Starting from the 24th, the Rural Development Administration, which manages post-certification of Food Master products under the Food Industry Promotion Act, is conducting an on-site investigation."

The ministry explained, "The Rural Development Administration’s investigation will verify whether the company’s products qualify as Food Master products, review the status of products produced and sold during the relevant period, check for unauthorized use of the master label on non-certified products, and confirm consistency with the master activity reports."

Meanwhile, some voices call for revoking CEO Kim’s master certification. The Food Master system is implemented under Article 14 of the Food Industry Promotion Act to preserve and develop Korean food traditions. According to the Korea Food Master Association, a total of 81 individuals have been certified as masters to date.

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