Kim Sang-hyun, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the popular Korean snack franchise Kukje Tteokbokki, responded to criticism regarding the company’s Myeolgong Tteokbokki product. Despite claims of being 100% domestically sourced, reports indicated that some ingredients originated from China. Kim retorted that the communists are having a meltdown over this.
On Monday, Kim shared articles on social media addressing the ingredient controversy surrounding Myeolgong Tteokbokki. He commented that the communists mocking Myeolgong must be pretty rattled.
He further noted that there’s an influx of hysterical comments from communists. They’re swarming in to throw a fit. Kim insisted that the chili powder is 100% domestic, and it uses locally sourced refined salt.
Clarifying the issue, Kim explained that the ingredients labeled as Chinese are actually domestic seasonings, but some components within those seasonings are sourced from China. He emphasized that it can’t produce these seasonings themselves, and altering them would completely change the flavor. It’s a minute amount.
Previously, on January 25, Kim announced on social media that they’ve launched Myeolgong Tteokbokki. Let’s educate people through tteokbokki. He described the product as having the same taste as the original Kukje Tteokbokki and provided a purchase link for the product, which includes rice cakes and sauce, priced at 5,000 KRW (about 3.45 USD) each.
While the original Kukje Tteokbokki packaging featured only the South Korean flag, the new product displays both South Korean and American flags on the sauce and rice cake packaging. The phrase Strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance is prominently featured. Marketing materials also include slogans like Anti-communism is patriotism and Oust the Communist Party.
Product Notably Emphasizes 100% Domestic Chili Powder, 0% Chinese Chili Powder
However, a closer look at the ingredient list reveals that the refined salt used is labeled as Chinese, and some of the skim milk powder in the soy sauce powder also contains Chinese ingredients.
Consequently, Kim’s social media and the product’s sales page have been inundated with critical comments such as: If it’s Myeolgong Tteokbokki, why use Chinese salt and soy sauce powder?, Why is the corn starch from Russia?, Is this Myeolgong Tteokbokki or North Korea-China-Russia tteokbokki?, It’s hypocritical to shout anti-American slogans while patronizing Starbucks, and Is this just a bored rich guy trying his hand at business?
Kim previously garnered attention from conservative supporters by publicly criticizing former President Moon Jae-in during his administration. Kim controversially claimed that the communist president is attempting to alter the country’s identity.
Furthermore, Kim faced a defamation lawsuit for alleging that former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk received funds from the Chinese Communist Party. On Monday, he posted a photo of himself dining with former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, who claims China interfered in South Korea’s elections, further showcasing his political leanings on social media.