Colorful Hanbok with a Fan in One Hand... Mukbang Featuring Kimchi, Kimbugak, and More
"Our Traditions Are the Best, We Support Them," "Feels Great Thinking Foreigners Will See This" Praised
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Amid the ongoing controversy over China's 'Northeast Project,' there is a program that has been praised for showcasing Korea's unique traditional culture. It is the MBC entertainment program 'Hangout with Yoo,' which naturally incorporates Korea's traditional culture into its broadcasts and has received favorable reviews from viewers.
The host of this program, Yoo Jae-suk, created a sub-character called 'Yoo Yaho' following 'Jimmy Yoo,' establishing himself as a 'hipster who loves traditional culture and appreciates elegance.' In line with this concept, he presented a variety of hanbok outfits each episode, providing entertainment for viewers. Yoo Jae-suk appeared holding a fan in one hand or introduced the convenience of the new hanbok, mentioning that the hair ribbon was made by a master knot artisan (National Intangible Cultural Property No. 22).
From March to May, Yoo Yaho elevated interest in hanbok by using new hanbok and hanbok accessories in the 'MSG Wannabe' segment of 'Hangout with Yoo.' Notably, in the April 17 broadcast, SG Wannabe, who appeared as guests, passionately sang the song 'Arirang,' while subtitles appeared saying, "Kimchi, hanbok, taekwondo, samgyetang are also our precious things."
Additionally, Yoo Yaho started broadcasts by eating gimbugak (seaweed crisps), kimchi, and more. Viewers who saw this, despite the visible branding making it obvious product placement (PPL), did not hesitate to praise it. Comments included, "Our things are the best. Supporting Yoo Yaho," "As expected, Yoo-nim is cool. We welcome this kind-hearted concept," and "Instead of talking a hundred times, showing it like this is better. It feels good thinking about foreigners watching." It shows that having an influential figure in a popular entertainment program overseas, including China, showcase Korean culture holds great significance.
The issue of China's Northeast Project has been consistently raised. China's portal site Baidu Encyclopedia distortedly claims that Korea's traditional clothing hanbok is 'Joseonjok attire' and originated from the Chinese Han dynasty traditional clothing 'hanfu.' Recently, Chinese netizens also claimed that the hanbok appearing in SBS historical drama 'Hong Cheon-gi' was directly copied from the Ming dynasty hanbok shown in the Chinese drama 'The Glass Maiden.'
Moreover, Baidu has sparked outrage among Korean netizens by asserting that kimchi originated from China's 'pao cai' (泡菜) and that samgyetang derives from a representative Chinese soup dish.
Meanwhile, the production team of 'Hangout with Yoo' and host Yoo Jae-suk (Yoo Yaho) were selected as recipients of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Hanbok Love Appreciation Award. On the 10th, the Ministry announced six teams recognized for practicing hanbok love or leading efforts to promote the beauty of hanbok. These include the 'Hangout with Yoo' production team and host Yoo Jae-suk (Yoo Yaho), Brave Girls and DKB, Jeonju city bus drivers, E-Land World, Haemil School, and staff at the National Hangeul Museum. The award ceremony will be held on the 13th at Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul.
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