US Athletes Excited Wearing 'Kimchi' on Their Chests... "Amazing" Sparks Buzz

A minor league baseball team in the United States is drawing attention by wearing uniforms with the word 'Kimchi' on them during games.

On May 31 (local time), the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's North America regional office announced that during the 'Korean Cultural Heritage Night' events held on May 26 and 28 at the home stadium of the Montgomery Biscuits in Alabama, USA, they promoted kimchi to over 5,000 spectators. The Montgomery Biscuits are a Double-A minor league team affiliated with the MLB Tampa Bay Rays, based in Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama.

'Kimchi' uniform of the Montgomery Biscuits (Minor League) team in Montgomery, Alabama, USA.
[Image provided by Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, Americas Regional Office]

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The event, jointly planned by the Korean-American nonprofit organization 'A-KEEP' (Alabama Korea Education and Economic Partner) and the team, offered various kimchi-themed foods and attractions, receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience. Players wore uniforms with 'Kimchi' written on them along with hats featuring a kimchi character shaped like a napa cabbage. Kimchi videos and images were displayed on the scoreboard and outdoor fences. At the kimchi promotion booth, kimchi character uniforms were given away, and potato hot dogs topped with kimchi sauce were introduced, gaining popularity.

[Image source: Montgomery Biscuits official website]

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Netizens who heard the news expressed various reactions such as, "It's amazing to see uniforms with 'Kimchi' worn in another country," "Kimchi was probably promoted worldwide through the American players' uniforms," "Fresh uniforms," and "Appoint them as kimchi ambassadors."

Starting lineup announcement posted on X by the Montgomery Biscuits team on the 28th of last month (local time). [Image source=Montgomery Biscuits X]

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Montgomery has become a region with growing interest in Korea as many Korean companies have entered the area since Hyundai Motor's manufacturing plant opened in Alabama in 2005. The Montgomery Biscuits have been holding the 'Korean Cultural Heritage Night' annually since 2021, wearing kimchi uniforms each year.

Meanwhile, during the pandemic, kimchi gained attention in the U.S. as a superfood beneficial for boosting immunity and gut health. As a result, U.S. kimchi exports, which were only $14.8 million in 2019, reached a record high of $29.1 million in 2022 and $39.99 million in 2023. This year, as of the end of June, exports recorded $24.06 million, an 18.9% increase compared to the previous year.

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