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The "kalguksu controversy" involving NewJeans' Minji remains a topic of discussion in South Korea, especially following a recent incident with the group ILLIT. This sustained interest originates from Minji's past comment about not knowing kalguksu, which initially drew significant public debate and criticism, and has now been referenced by other idol groups, renewing attention on the original event.
The controversy began during a live broadcast on January 2, 2023, featuring NewJeans, where Minji inquired, "What is kalguksu?" This statement caused surprise, as Minji, a Korean national from Chuncheon, is generally expected to be familiar with the common noodle dish. She later issued an apology on the fan communication app 'Phoning' regarding both the remark and her attitude during the broadcast. Minji had previously mentioned not knowing or having tried other common Korean foods, including Maratang, Jjamppong, Bibim-myeon, Kongguksu, and Chungmu Gimbap. The situation gained further traction when members of ILLIT repeatedly mentioned "kalguksu" during their reality show, leading to accusations of mocking Minji, a point reportedly raised by NewJeans' parents.
Local bloggers shared various perspectives, with many highlighting the perceived disproportionate criticism Minji faced for her initial comment, which she later clarified was due to her lack of personal experience with the dish or its many varieties. Some felt the "kalguksu" remark was excessively scrutinized, leading to accusations that she was attempting to cultivate a "luxury image" for NewJeans. The subsequent ILLIT incident underscored the ongoing sensitivity of the topic, with bloggers observing that the comparison of dishes like kalguksu and galbijjim in ILLIT's content appeared unusual and contributed to negative public sentiment regarding their actions.
