Criticism Floods Over Celebrities' Controversy in China After Calling Kimchi 'Pao Cai'

Choo Ja-hyun Apologizes for 'Pao Cai' Spelling Controversy... "Sorry for Causing Concern"
Ham So-won and Frizzy Also Involved in Kimchi to Pao Cai Debate
Experts Say "Anti-China Sentiment Persists... Must Act Carefully"

A video posted by actress Chu Ja-hyun on the Chinese version of Instagram, 'Xiaohongshu'. In the video, kimchi is labeled as 'Paochai' (泡菜). Photo by Professor Seo Kyung-duk, SNS screen capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Recently, Korean celebrities who have entered the Chinese market have sparked controversy by repeatedly making labeling errors, such as referring to the Korean traditional food kimchi as 'pao cai (泡菜)'. Since China is making unfounded claims that Korean kimchi originated from pao cai, public criticism is intensifying.

In particular, there are many criticisms that celebrities, who enjoy great public love, should be held to stricter standards due to their influence and impact. Experts say that in a situation where anti-China sentiment among the public is strong, such behavior by celebrities is inappropriate.

Recently, actress Chu Ja-hyun apologized for labeling kimchi as 'pao cai' in her content. On the 22nd, through her agency BH Entertainment, Chu said, "I have always paid more attention and caution than anyone else regarding these matters while working in both Korea and China," and added, "Nevertheless, I am sorry for causing concern to many people because of this incident."

Earlier, on the 17th, Chu posted a short video on 'Xiaohongshu', known as the Chinese version of Instagram, showing her eating kimchi with ramen. At that time, she labeled kimchi as 'pao cai', which sparked controversy and criticism for inappropriate labeling. The problematic video has since been deleted.

Regarding this, Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women's University pointed out on his social media (SNS), "There are already many celebrities and influencers actively working in China, and while it is commendable that they promote national prestige and earn foreign currency, I hope such mistakes will no longer occur."

He continued, "In the current situation where absurd incidents like China's kimchi project and hanbok project are happening, especially for people with external influence, I believe they must be able to understand the basic national sentiment."

Photo by Getty Images Bank.

This is not the first case of celebrities or famous figures mistakenly labeling kimchi as 'pao cai'. Previously, broadcaster Ham So-won also referred to kimchi as 'pao cai' during a live broadcast on social media last year, and YouTuber Freezia (real name Song Ji-ah) caused controversy by subtitling kimchi stew as 'pao cai' in a Chinese YouTube video.

However, kimchi and pao cai differ significantly in ingredients, preparation methods, and fermentation processes. Kimchi is made by combining napa cabbage with various vegetables, adding chili peppers and fish sauce, and then fermenting it slowly at low temperatures. In contrast, pao cai is made by soaking cabbage or radish in saltwater, then pouring various liquids over it and pickling it for about 2 to 3 days before consumption. Ultimately, kimchi, a fermented food, and pao cai, a simple pickled food, are completely different types of dishes.

Citizens are raising their voices in criticism of such behavior by celebrities. This appears to be related to the heightened anti-China sentiment in Korea following China's recent 'cultural projects' claiming kimchi and hanbok as their own culture.

One netizen said, "Labeling kimchi as pao cai during a time of deep anti-China sentiment is a big mistake," adding, "It is impressive that Korean celebrities have succeeded in China, but that also means they have significant influence in both countries. They should have been more careful."

Meanwhile, Chinese media have also stepped up with unfounded claims that kimchi originated in China. The Chinese state-run media Global Times published an article in November 2020 reporting that 'pao cai', a pickled vegetable originating from Sichuan Province, China, received international standard certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), stating, "The title of kimchi's origin country is now meaningless."

Recently, this media outlet also disparaged Korea by quoting experts. L? Chao, chief researcher at the North Korea-Korea Research Center of the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, said in an interview with Global Times, "Unlike China, which treats the origin of kimchi lightly as a joke, Korea takes it much more seriously. This is related to the sensitive ethnic pride of Koreans."

He added sarcastically, "While kimchi may appear to Chinese people as just a side dish, to Koreans it is a globally important invention."

Experts emphasize that celebrities who work between China and Korea should act more cautiously.

Jung Deok-hyun, a popular culture critic, said, "Issues related to China's cultural projects remain a hot topic. Last year, a famous Chinese YouTuber posted a kimchi-making video claiming it as 'Chinese food', and Ham So-won also called kimchi 'pao cai'. Despite this series of events, labeling kimchi again as 'pao cai' is inappropriate," adding, "In Chu's case, since she works between Korea and China, she needs to act more carefully."

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