"Kimchi is Chinese?" Hamzy defiantly does 'Kimjang Mukbang' in China... Citizens cheer

Hamzy's 'Kimjang Mukbang' Receives Support Domestically and Internationally
Previously Contract Terminated by Chinese Agency Due to Outspoken Remarks
Netizens Say "Truly Amazing, Hope Government Provides More Support..."

YouTuber Hamzy is tasting kimchi during a 'mukbang' broadcast. Photo by YouTuber Hamzy Channel Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Recently, YouTuber 'Hamji,' who boldly stated that "Kimchi is Korean food" in response to Chinese YouTubers claiming China as the origin of kimchi in the so-called 'Kimchi Northeast Project,' is receiving praise from domestic netizens for showing a 'Kimjang mukbang' this time.

Previously, Hamji received a contract termination notice from a Chinese agency due to such statements. The famous 'mukbang' (eating broadcast) YouTuber Hamji (real name Ham Ji-hyeong) uploaded a video of making kimjang on the 25th. By posting the kimjang video, it appears she once again expressed her conviction that "Kimchi is Korean food." Hamji has 5.43 million subscribers on YouTube.

The day before, Hamji uploaded a video titled "Real Mukbang Kimjang Kimchi Making" on her YouTube channel. She showed herself making kimchi and then enjoying it deliciously with boiled pork slices.

While uploading the video, she indicated that it was "content produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to promote our food in November." It is interpreted that the Korean government is actively countering China's 'Kimchi Northeast Project.' This video, uploaded around 6 p.m. that day, has received over 1 million views, showing high public interest.

Netizens are sending messages of support to Hamji. Comments include, "One person, Hamji, is informing the world about Korean kimchi," "It must have been hard emotionally after leaving the Chinese agency, amazing," and "I hope the government supports Hamji."

The controversy surrounding Korean kimchi began to surface in November last year. Hamji pressed 'like' on a comment under her video eating ssambap that said, "Chinese people now claim ssam as their traditional culture." This content spread mainly on YouTube, causing strong backlash from Chinese netizens.

During the translation process, the term 'ChineseX' was revealed to be a harsher insult, which further fueled Chinese anger. Amid this, Chinese public opinion criticized Hamji, saying, "To be forgiven, you must say kimchi is Chinese food."

YouTuber Hamzy is tasting kimchi during a 'mukbang' broadcast. Photo by YouTuber Hamzy Channel Capture

Due to this incident, Hamji received a contract termination notice from the Chinese agency. The company explained, "We are terminating all cooperation because Hamji caused serious negative effects on the public by insulting China."

Amid the rapidly unfolding situation, Hamji posted her position on her YouTube channel on the 19th. She said, "There were thousands of comments, so it was hard to read each one, and I pressed 'like' as much as possible," adding, "However, I apologize for agreeing with insults that disparaged Chinese people."

Nevertheless, she repeatedly emphasized, "My belief that kimchi and ssam are Korean foods remains unchanged." In particular, Hamji said, "I don't understand why we are wasting emotions on unnecessary disputes," and "If I have to say kimchi is Chinese food to work in China, I will not work there."

Earlier, a famous Chinese YouTuber posted a video making napa cabbage kimchi with the hashtag 'Chinese traditional cuisine,' sparking the 'Kimchi Northeast Project' controversy. It was Korean-style kimchi, quite different from the Chinese-style kimchi called 'Pao cai.' Also, in November last year, China's state-run media 'Global Times' reported that Korea, the original home of kimchi, was humiliated as Pao cai received approval from the International Organization for Standardization.