Japanese Media: "Korean Youth Are Contradictory... Dislike China but Like Tanghulu"

Korean 'Tanghulu Craze' Draws Attention from Japanese Media
"Even Those Who Litter on the Streets"

Although distrust of Chinese-made food is high in South Korea, a Japanese media report revealed a contradictory trend where young Koreans are deeply fascinated by the traditional Chinese dessert 'Tanghulu.'

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On the 30th, local Japanese media cited a public opinion survey released in July by the U.S. online outlet 'Axios,' reporting that negative perceptions of China among Koreans have intensified, with 77% holding unfavorable views compared to 63% in the 2019 survey. However, paradoxically, Tanghulu is gaining popularity within South Korea.

The outlet stated, "In bustling Korean districts, it is common to see women in their teens and twenties walking while eating colorful Tanghulu," adding, "Many eat it to cleanse their palate after spicy dishes. It is extremely popular among young people who enjoy sweet flavors."

It also noted, "Excessive consumption of Tanghulu can lead to excessive sugar intake, potentially causing childhood obesity and diabetes," and reported that "an executive from a Tanghulu company was summoned during a National Assembly 'state audit' in South Korea regarding sugar-related issues."

Furthermore, it mentioned that many people litter Tanghulu waste on the streets after eating, leading to the establishment of 'NO Tanghulu Zones.'

Meanwhile, the famous Tanghulu chain 'Dalkom Wanga Tanghulu' surpassed 500 stores as of November. Nationwide Tanghulu outlets numbered about 240 last year but have surged past 1,000 this year.

33% Increase in 'Young Diabetes' Among 20s and 30s... Higher Risk of Early Death

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Photo by Yonhap News

According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, in 2021, people in their 20s and 30s who received hospital treatment for diabetes accounted for 4.8% of all patients. While the total number of diabetes patients increased by 24% over the past five years, the number among those in their 20s and 30s rose by 33%.

Especially, the prevalence rate among people in their 20s increased sharply by 47%. The only age group with a higher increase rate than the 20s was those aged 80 and above.

Diabetes causes chronic complications such as hypertension, kidney disease, and myocardial infarction. In particular, diabetes in younger generations is characterized by rapidly worsening insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell function, which increases the risk of complications and early death.

The exact cause of diabetes onset remains unclear, but experts believe that the increase in the obese population, along with sweet snacks and drinks popular among young people such as Tanghulu and smoothies, has partly contributed to the rise in diabetes cases among people in their 20s and 30s.