Han Jin‘s use of the term “pao cai” for kimchi sparks controversy, drawing a strong response from Professor Seo Kyung Duk. The incident highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding the origins and cultural identity of kimchi.
The “Pao Cai” Controversy
On February 1st KST, Han Jin, a member of the group TWS, responded to a fan’s question on the Weverse platform. He mentioned eating “kimchi jjigae” but included the term “pao cai” in parentheses. “Pao cai” is a Chinese term for pickled vegetables, distinct from Korean kimchi.
This seemingly small detail ignited a debate, as many perceive the use of “pao cai” for kimchi as misrepresenting a unique Korean dish. The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism officially designated “xin qi” as the correct Chinese translation for kimchi in 2021, emphasizing its distinct cultural identity.
Professor Seo Kyung Duk’s Response
Professor Seo Kyung Duk, a prominent advocate for Korean culture, addressed the controversy on February 5th. He stated that he received numerous reports about Han Jin’s use of “pao cai.” He pointed out that Korean kimchi and Chinese “pao cai” are different foods and that China has made claims about kimchi originating from “pao cai.”
Professor Seo emphasized the sensitivity of the issue, stating:
As many know, Korea’s kimchi and China’s ‘pao cai’ are entirely different foods. China has been falsely claiming that kimchi originates from ‘pao cai’ and insisting it is part of their culture. Given these circumstances, Han Jin’s choice of words was undeniably a mistake. As a public figure with significant influence, he should have been more careful and mindful of Korean cultural sentiments.
He also stressed the need to prevent future occurrences, noting that this isn’t the first time a celebrity has mislabeled kimchi as “pao cai.” He urged vigilance to prevent China from using such instances in cultural disputes. While Han Jin has since deleted the comment, the discussion around the issue continues.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
