Kimchi Again? Choo Ja-hyun Apologizes for 'Pao Cai' Controversy "Striving for Correct Expression"

Choo Ja-hyun / Photo by BH Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Actress Chu Ja-hyun deleted a video that caused controversy by labeling kimchi as pao cai and issued an apology.

On the 22nd, Chu Ja-hyun apologized through her agency BH Entertainment, saying, "While working concurrently in Korea and China, I have paid more attention than anyone else to such matters," and "I am sorry for causing concern to many people."

She continued, "I consulted those around me, but I was advised that the newly standardized foreign language translation notation 'xinchi' is not yet widely used, so it is important above all to inform many people about it and raise awareness," adding, "There is still much I do not know."

She also said, "I will strive to correctly know and use the names of our traditional foods so that the proper expressions can become better known," and "All of our staff who planned and edited the video feel a sense of responsibility and will work to protect Korea's unique culture and traditions."

On the 17th, Chu Ja-hyun posted a video on the Chinese social networking service (SNS) Xiaohongshu showing her wrapping ramen with kimchi. The video subtitle labeled kimchi as 'pao cai,' which drew criticism.

Photo by Choo Ja-hyun, captured from Xiaohongshu

Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women's University posted a screenshot of the video on his SNS, pointing out, "I hope celebrities active in China do not make such mistakes."

Professor Seo said, "In the current situation where absurd incidents like China's kimchi project and hanbok project are occurring, people with external influence should be able to understand the basic national sentiments," delivering a sharp remark.

Pao cai refers to Chinese pickled vegetable dishes. In China, there has been controversy as they claim that Korea's traditional food kimchi originated from pao cai. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism specified the Chinese translation notation of kimchi as 'xinchi' through the "Guidelines for Foreign Language Translation and Notation of Public Terms" directive issued in July last year.

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