On August 20, a trending hashtag on Weibo titled “Lee Dong-wook: Koreans Don’t Eat Mooncakes” sparked heated debate. According to reports, the hashtag generated over 32,000 posts and amassed nearly 100 million views, showing just how explosive the reaction has been in China.
The controversy stems from Lee Dong-wook’s statement during last year’s Chuseok holiday. When some Chinese fans on the fan communication platform Bubble asked if Koreans also eat mooncakes, the actor responded: “Chinese fans, Koreans don’t eat mooncakes. We celebrate holidays differently.”
He reportedly added, “Stop talking about mooncakes. We eat songpyeon instead,” referring to the traditional Korean half-moon rice cakes enjoyed during Chuseok.
The remarks, later translated into Chinese and widely shared online, triggered anger among Chinese netizens. Many accused Lee Dong-wook of “disrespecting Chinese culture” and some went as far as to claim that Korea might eventually “appropriate mooncakes as its own traditional food.”
However, Korean netizens largely defended the actor, pointing out that his comments were factual and not offensive. Reactions included, “What’s wrong with saying Koreans don’t eat mooncakes? It’s the truth,” and “He simply clarified cultural differences, there’s no problem here.”
The incident highlights once again how cultural misunderstandings between Korea and China frequently spark online disputes, especially over food and traditions. While Chinese netizens continue to criticize, many Korean fans stand by Lee Dong-wook, insisting his comment was both accurate and harmless.
Sources: 다음 – 스포츠경향
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