Lotteria Launches Plant-Based Burger on the 13th
Estimated 1.5 to 2 Million Vegetarians in Korea
Some Netizens Mock "Vegans Shouldn't Consume Meat Alternatives Either"
Experts Say "Collectivist Culture Leads to Unconditional Criticism of Groups with Different Views"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] "I hope that starting with vegan burgers, the range of vegan diet options will increase domestically as well."
A, a 24-year-old university student, introduced herself as a vegetarian and said this. A said, "Some people belittle vegetarianism as simply picky eating, but I hope they don't disparage others' beliefs and choices like that," adding, "In my case, after entering university and engaging in various activities, I kept thinking about animal rights, and I chose vegetarianism for the purpose of animal rights and environmental protection."
She continued, "There are surprisingly frequent occasions where I become a laughingstock just by revealing that I am vegetarian. Even though I have not harmed others, I do not want to be criticized simply because I am vegetarian," but added, "I expect that if various vegan foods come out domestically, people's perceptions will improve to some extent."
Recently, fast-food company 'Lotteria' launched a plant-based burger for the first time in the domestic franchise industry. Lotteria promoted it with phrases such as "NOT BEEF, BUT VEEF" and "A miracle that tastes like meat without meat." The burger is made with plant-based patties, bread, and sauce, but it is reported that there is a possibility of cross-contamination during in-store preparation.
Consumers expressed expectations, saying, "The range of choices for vegetarian diets is expanding domestically," while some mocked, saying, "If it's vegetarian, why consume something that mimics meat?" They argue that those who pursue vegetarianism do not understand the consumption of alternative meats.
As awareness of animal rights has increased recently, veganism is spreading domestically as well. Veganism is a general term for vegetarianism and refers to dietary habits and philosophies that avoid consuming animal products for various reasons. In a broader sense, it also includes avoiding products such as leather and those tested on animals.
As this consumer culture spreads, the domestic vegan population is also confirmed to be increasing. According to the vegetarian community 'Korea Vegetarian Union' as of December last year, the domestic vegetarian population is estimated to be between 1.5 million and 2 million. The union believes that the number of people who prefer or aspire to vegetarianism is much higher.
However, some still continue to criticize vegetarianism. Some netizens mocked, saying, "You say you're vegetarian, but you like the taste of meat," "If you're vegan, you should only eat grass, but you want to eat everything including meat substitutes," "Plants probably feel pain too, so shouldn't we not eat them?" and "It's embarrassing to say picky eating, so they say they're vegan."
B, a 27-year-old office worker, said, "I think people criticize so much because they don't know much about veganism," adding, "Veganism is not simply refusing meat or dairy products because of taste. If it were picky eating because of taste, wouldn't you not need to carefully check ingredients even when buying a single piece of bread?"
B explained, "Personally, I really liked meat before I started vegetarianism," but added, "However, at some point, I thought it was more important not to consume animals that are exploited and abused in the process than to enjoy eating. That's why I consciously try not to consume them."
She continued, "When I talk with people around me, many share the same thoughts. Even if they don't completely go vegetarian, many try to have vegan meals two or three times a week, but as soon as you go online, such criticism pours in," adding, "I just don't understand it."
Experts analyzed that in collectivist cultures, there is a tendency to criticize other groups to solidify the identity of one's own group.
Professor Kwak Geum-ju of the Department of Psychology at Seoul National University said, "The biggest problem in our society recently is intergroup conflict," pointing out, "People unconditionally criticize those who have different thoughts from themselves."
Professor Kwak explained, "By saying 'our group is superior,' people relieve their stress and prove that they belong to a better group by disparaging other groups. The same applies to vegetarianism. The opposing group that becomes the target of criticism also refutes the criticism, and as this process repeats, conflicts gradually intensify."
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