On the background of President Lee Jae-myung gifting Hwangnam bread, a local specialty of Gyeongju, to Chinese President Xi Jinping, National Innovation Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Cho Kuk offered the interpretation that they might have considered the inclusion of the character ‘Hwang (皇)’.
On the 2nd, Chairman Cho mentioned on Facebook, “Compared to gifting the golden crown of Silla (National Treasure No. 188, presumed to be King Jijeung’s crown) to then U.S. President Donald Trump, it seems like gifting Hwangnam bread to President Xi Jinping is drawing less attention.”
He pointed out that “Hwangnam bread originated in Hwangnam-dong (皇南洞) in Gyeongju, which contains the character for ’emperor (皇)’.” He suggested that in his personal speculation, they might have deliberately chosen Hwangnam bread keeping in mind that President Xi or Chinese people would notice the character ‘Hwang’.
Furthermore, he analyzed, “This might also have been aimed at promoting the purchase of Hwangnam bread among Chinese tourists visiting Gyeongju.”
Previously, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) period, the government handed over 200 boxes of Hwangnam bread to President Xi Jinping’s delegation, inviting them to “taste it.” President Xi expressed his gratitude to President Lee, saying “It was delicious.”
Some have also suggested that “‘Emperor (皇)’ symbolizes a higher level of authority than ‘King (王)’,” in reference to the crown given to President Trump.