Netflix has decided to correct a controversial error in its subtitles, where kimchi was incorrectly labeled as “labaicai” (辣白菜) in a recent episode of the variety show “Super Rich in Korea.”
The scene, depicting the top 1% wealthy individuals making kimchi, showed the term translated as “labaicai,” a Chinese spicy vegetable pickle.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism specifies “xinqi” (辛奇) as the correct Chinese term for kimchi in its 2021 revised guidelines for public foreign language translation and notation.
Netflix explained that the term “labaicai” was chosen to aid overseas viewers who use Chinese characters in understanding better. However, they acknowledged the potential for misunderstanding and announced their decision to use “xinqi” for kimchi in Korean content going forward, including updating existing subtitles.
Netflix had similar issues when it mislabeled kimchi as “paocai” (泡菜) in the sitcom “So Not Worth It” and referred to the East Sea as the Sea of Japan in the Spanish (Latin America) subtitles of “The Eight Show.” At the time, Netflix said, “We are currently correcting the subtitles,” pledging, “We will review to ensure there are no similar cases and strive for perfection in future translations.”
