Poured 'National Bottled Water' into the Toilet... Zhong Nongfu Became a Traitor Overnight

Zhong Shanshan, the founder of China's "national bottled water" Nongfu Spring and the richest man in China, is being treated as a traitor locally. This is due to the revelation that his son holds U.S. citizenship, as well as the fact that the company's beverages feature Japanese-style illustrations. Even within China, there are criticisms that this is excessive nationalism.

On the 12th, videos showing the disposal of Nongfu Spring bottled water began to appear one after another on local Chinese social networking services (SNS) such as Weibo. In the videos, the protagonists open the caps of stacked bottled water and pour the contents into toilet bowls or kitchen sinks, explaining that they will boycott Nongfu Spring beverages and not drink them anymore.

Photo by Weibo, China

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This public sentiment spread a few days ago on SNS, fueled by claims that the illustrations on the company's beverages are Japanese-style. The controversial images resemble Japan's Yasukuni Shrine or "Koinobori," which are carp-shaped windsocks. Nongfu Spring responded to the shrine illustration by stating it is a "creative work based on a Chinese temple," but the criticism has not subsided. Prior to this, the company faced difficulties when it was revealed that Zhong Shanshan's son, Zhong Xuzhu, who is considered the successor, holds U.S. citizenship.

The critical public opinion quickly led to a sharp drop in sales. Sales have fallen by 90% just this month, and some convenience stores and supermarkets have announced that they will no longer carry Nongfu Spring beverages.

As the situation worsened, voices within China have expressed concern about excessive nationalism. Given that private enterprises are already shrinking and the consumer market is sluggish, there is concern that this could negatively impact the economy.

Photo by Weibo, China

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Photo source = Chinese Weibo

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Zhou Dewen, chairman of the Wenzhou Small and Medium Enterprises Association in Zhejiang Province, told Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP), "The most frightening thing is attacking people and companies that are ahead in the name of patriotism," adding, "We must remain calm and not be coerced by public opinion." Chairman Zhou emphasized, "Economic recovery requires actions, not words," and stated, "Nationalism is an obstacle to restoring trust with private enterprises." He also added, "Nongfu Spring has made significant contributions to China's economy and society."

Zhong Shanshan, at the center of the controversy, ranked first on Forbes' list of China's top 100 richest people last year, with an estimated fortune of $60.1 billion (approximately 78.7971 trillion KRW). Despite some reduction in his wealth due to economic difficulties, he has maintained the top position for three consecutive years.

Wu Fang, a professor at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Business School, said, "When nationalism is rampant, entrepreneurs should avoid standing out," adding, "In such times, issues like nationality or personal beliefs are likely to be exaggerated, so it is best to avoid the spotlight."

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