Why a K-Pop Idol's Chinese Member Is Facing Backlash Over Kimchi as a 'Serious Mistake'
2025-02-05 11:02
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The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Specifies the Correct Chinese Translation of Kimchi as ‘Xin Qi.'
A Chinese member of the popular K-pop boy group TWS known for their hit 'First Meetings Never Go as Planned', has stirred controversy after referring to Korea’s iconic kimchi as "pao cai"—a term used for Chinese pickled vegetables—on the fan platform Weverse.

The incident occurred on February 1 when Han Jin, the group’s Chinese member, responded to a fan’s question, “Did you eat yet?” with the reply, “I had kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew),” and added the Chinese term "pao cai" in parentheses.
The term pao cai (泡菜) refers to a type of fermented vegetable dish native to China, which is entirely different from Korea’s traditional kimchi. The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism clarified this distinction back in 2021, updating its official guidelines to specify that kimchi should be referred to as "xin qi" (辛奇) in Chinese, not pao cai.
Prominent cultural activist Professor Seo Kyung-duk weighed in on February 5, stating that he had received numerous reports about the issue. “The fact that Han Jin, a member of K-pop group TWS, labeled kimchi as pao cai on a fan interaction app has sparked considerable controversy,” Seo said. “Kimchi and China’s pao cai are fundamentally different foods. However, China has been trying to claim that kimchi originated from pao cai, incorporating it into their own cultural narrative.”

Seo further criticized the idol’s choice of words, calling it “inappropriate given the current cultural tensions between Korea and China.” He emphasized that, as a star with significant public influence, Han Jin should have been more mindful of Korea’s cultural sentiments. “He and his agency should be aware of the sensitivity surrounding this issue and act with greater caution,” Seo added.
Following the backlash, Han Jin deleted the controversial comment. However, the damage had already been done, and online discussions among fans and netizens continue to intensify. Seo noted that similar incidents involving celebrities labeling kimchi as pao cai have occurred before, sparking debates between Korean and Chinese audiences on social media.
“This mistake shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Seo warned, “as it could be used by China to further support their claims. Artists and entertainment agencies must exercise greater caution to prevent further misunderstandings.”
The controversy ignited a flood of reactions from netizens, with many expressing frustration over what they saw as a disregard for Korea’s cultural heritage. One commenter, identifying as a Chinese-Korean, shared their embarrassment, stating, “Hanbok and kimchi are undeniably part of Korea’s cultural heritage. As a Chinese-Korean myself, I feel embarrassed.” Others criticized the idol’s agency for poor management, asking, “How can the agency allow this to happen when the idol is promoting in Korea?” Meanwhile, some emphasized the importance of cultural awareness, adding, “Kimchi and pao cai are completely different foods. He should educate himself before speaking.”
This controversy highlights how K-pop stars, who often act as global representatives of Korean culture, are held to a high standard when discussing sensitive cultural topics. With kimchi frequently appearing in Korean dishes during idol variety shows and fan events, its proper labeling is seen as essential to preserving Korea’s culinary identity.
As K-pop continues its global expansion, incidents like this demonstrate the importance of maintaining cultural accuracy. Many fans hope that this controversy serves as a learning experience, prompting K-pop agencies to implement stricter guidelines for international members when engaging with topics tied to Korea’s national identity.