CreatripTeam

Former South Korean presidents Kim Young-sam (YS) and Kim Dae-jung (DJ), once political rivals, also showed contrasting tastes in food that reflected their personalities. YS was known as the “kalguksu (hand-cut noodle) president,” often eating warm noodle soup for lunch, avoiding snacks and overeating; his preference for a simple, balanced meal symbolized thriftiness and steadiness. DJ favored hearty kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), especially with pork or anchovies, and was famed as a big eater who enjoyed rich, slow-cooked flavors that matched his warm, embracing image. The piece notes health aspects: broth and noodles provide comforting energy and easy digestion, while kimchi’s fermentation brings probiotics and capsaicin benefits, and pork adds protein and B vitamins.