How a London-based author is redefining kimchi
When Jihyun “Kimmy” Kim reflects on her childhood in Korea, her mind lands on the everyday rhythm of a family dining table. “There would be rice, my mother’s doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) or miyeokguk (seaweed soup), and kimchi would always be there. As a child, I hardly noticed it because it was so normal," she recalled during a recent interview with The Korea Times. Growing up in Korea,…
Jihyun "Kimmy" Kim, a London-based author, is reshaping perceptions of kimchi, a traditional Korean dish. In her childhood, kimchi was an integral part of family meals, often overlooked as it was so commonplace. However, her relocation to the UK in 2008 after marrying a British citizen changed her perspective on this staple food.
"I never really planned to start a kimchi business. It happened quite naturally after living in the U.K.," she admitted during an interview with The Korea Times. Living abroad, Kim discovered a significant disparity between her understanding of kimchi and how Westerners perceived it. Abroad, kimchi was often trivialized as just a condiment or a side dish.
This exposure led her to realize the depth and complexity of kimchi's cultural significance, prompting her to delve deeper into its history and culinary versatility. Kim's journey from a consumer to a promoter of kimchi showcases a profound transformation in how this dish is viewed and appreciated, both in Korea and globally.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- How a London-based author is redefining kimchi koreatimes.co.kr
