00:00Korean culture has quietly become a part of everyday life in Malaysia.
00:05But what do the country's top figures think of it?
00:17In an exclusive interview with FMT, former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yakub
00:22talks about his fondness for Korean cuisine and reflects on the Korean wave in Malaysia.
00:29Ismail believes that as the culture spread worldwide through entertainment, tourism, and lifestyle,
00:36interest in Korean food grew as well.
00:39For him, food reflects the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia,
00:43serving as a bridge that fosters togetherness while bonding individuals, communities, and cultures.
00:51Food has always been central to Ismail's family life,
00:55and he has fond memories of trying different cuisines, including Korean, with his children.
01:02He also highlighted how Korean food has been adapted for Malaysia,
01:07with restaurants becoming halal-friendly, adjusting flavors to suit local tastes,
01:12and offering festive season specials.
01:14To him, the Korean wave resonates strongly here because Malaysians have long embraced diversity
01:22and are naturally open to experiencing new cultures.
01:27And indeed, from a Korean's perspective, it is this openness, felt in everyday moments,
01:33even in the dining table, that makes Malaysia's culture so easy to connect with.
01:38Just as the Korean wave has found a place here,
01:42Malaysia's culture has quietly found its way into this Korean's heart.
01:46Soyang Choi, FMT
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