[Report] "It's regrettable but unavoidable" Removing 'Mayak' from food names... Gwangjang Market Now

Gwangjang Market, the Origin of Kkomakimbap Named "Mayak Gimbap"
Merchants: "If It Has a Negative Impact on Children, It Should Definitely Be Changed"
Experts: "More Negative Effects, the Word 'Mayak' Could Become Familiar"

The photo shows gimbap labeled with the word 'mayak' (meaning 'drug') sold at Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 18th. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "It's unfortunate, but if it has a bad influence on the kids, we have to change it."

On the 18th, a merchant met at Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul, said this in response to the possibility that the term 'mayak' (meaning 'drug') might no longer be allowed in food names. He has been doing business at this location for 15 years and added, "In the future, we can just call it 'Kkoma Gimbap' or 'Saekki Gimbap' (meaning 'little gimbap')." He explained, "Originally, Mayak Gimbap started when young people who tried the gimbap posted about it online, but it was originally called Kkoma Gimbap."

Other merchants expressed similar opinions. One merchant said, "Mayak Gimbap doesn't actually contain drugs; it refers to food that is addictive," adding, "But if it has a bad influence, I think the name should be changed."

Gwangjang Market, located right in front of Exit 8 of Jongno 5-ga Station on Subway Line 1, is also famous as the birthplace of the little gimbap known as Mayak Gimbap. The story of the world-renowned Master Chef Gordon Ramsay visiting this market in November 2017 and eating Mayak Gimbap is already well known. The news about removing 'mayak' from the food name has drawn attention to Gwangjang Market.

"Expressions related to harmful drugs severely infringe on social ethics"

According to an official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on the 18th, a related bill has been proposed and is currently under discussion in the National Assembly. Previously, Kwon Eun-hee, a member of the People Power Party, introduced a partial amendment to the 'Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods' in August, which prohibits the use of expressions like 'mayak' (drug) in food names.

The current law prohibits food names or advertisements that promote gambling or use obscene expressions that severely infringe on public morals or social ethics. The amendment specifies the prohibited expressions as "obscene expressions or expressions related to harmful drugs or harmful objects." For example, if this bill passes, expressions like 'Mayak Gimbap' or 'Mayak Dakbal' (spicy chicken feet) cannot be used in food names.

When the amendment was proposed, Representative Kwon and others pointed out, "The current prohibition is limited to promoting gambling or obscene expressions, so there is a concern that names like 'Mayak Gimbap' or 'Mayak Tteokbokki' (spicy rice cakes), which can cause drug-like addiction and social ethical problems, may be exposed in food labeling and advertising." They added, "The purpose of the legislation is to contribute to the formation of proper social ethics by prohibiting labeling or advertising that severely infringes on social ethics through expressions related to harmful drugs or harmful objects."

On the afternoon of the 18th, a crowd gathered at Gwangjang Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

"Is it necessary to go this far just because drug-related incidents have increased?" Complaints also arise

Among citizens, there were opinions that if it could have a negative impact on children and adolescents, it would be better to remove 'mayak' from food names. A company employee in his 50s, Kim, who was met near the market that day, said about the ban on using 'mayak' in food names, "There are many drug crimes these days, and although the food does not contain drug ingredients, just in case, 'mayak' does not seem appropriate in food names."

However, some merchants expressed regret. One merchant said, "People know that Mayak Gimbap or Mayak Tteokbokki don't actually contain drugs," adding, "There is a trust relationship between merchants and customers, so is it really necessary to impose such regulations just because drug-related incidents have increased?"

Experts point out that using 'mayak' in food names can make drugs seem familiar without people realizing it, which could have a negative impact on society overall by lowering vigilance against drug crimes.

Professor Lee Eun-hee of Inha University (Department of Consumer Science) said, "From a consumer perspective, sellers want to emphasize that 'the gimbap is so addictive it's delicious,' so they use such names, but repeated mention or visibility of 'mayak' is not good, especially for adolescents, as it can increase familiarity with drugs." She added, "I believe sellers can find better terms than 'mayak.'"

Professor Oh Yoon-sung of Soonchunhyang University (Department of Police Administration) emphasized, "The term itself is not good and has a negative perception. Above all, since our society is currently facing a serious situation regarding drug incidents, it is inappropriate to use such terms lightly." He expressed concern, saying, "Rather than positive effects, it may send a message that 'mayak' is common around us through food names like 'Mayak Gimbap,' which can be problematic."