The story of the British man who overcame an eating disorder with K-food
Lewis Hooper, a 30-year-old from Bristol, England, has been living in Korea for four years and now looks healthier than ever. At one point, he weighed just only 32 kilograms and suffered from an eating disorder that caused him he collapse on the streets and require hospitalization.
Hooper attributes his recovery from anorexia to the vibrant food culture in Korea, where sharing meals and eating together is a significant aspect of daily life.
He decided to move to Korea in August 2020 on a working holiday visa to pursue his career as an actor and model after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his work in England. Contrary to his expectations, he struggled to find work in Korea initially, as the agency turned him down for being too skinny and appearing unhealthy.
However, immigrating to Korea has unpredictably transformed his life. Hooper was introduced to a cuisine culture vastly different from that of his home country. In England, he survived on a meager 600 calories per day at home, consuming mostly yogurt, bananas, cashew nuts, salad, and salmon or chicken breast. The highest cost of eating out and the tipping culture in England meant he rarely dined out unless he was extremely hungry.
In Korea, the culture of affordable dining and diverse menus encouraged him to eat out more frequently than his home. he fell In love with K-food cultures, the experience of grilling meat on the table and simmering stew. “Unlike most restaurants in England, Korean eateries don’t provide detailed information about the menu,” He said in an interview with The Korea Herald. “this made try me try a miscellany of cuisine.” Initially, the unfamiliarity and anxiety of not knowing what he was eating were challenging, but he soon found himself more open to trying new foods and experiencing a sense of liberation.
Hooper’s journey from battling an eating disorder to embracing a healthy, active lifestyle in Korea showcases the transformative power of cultural immersion and the importance of a supportive food environment.
Korea Ginseng Corp. contracts with H&B stores in Malaysia
Korean Ginseng is expanding its global influence, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
According to Korea Ginseng Corp(KGC). on the 13th, their primary products, including Hongsam Jung Every Time, and Good base pomegranates, are currently introduced in Guardian and Watsons which is the top health and beauty store in Malaysia.
Malaysia, a key economic hub in the southeast Asia country’s economies alongside Singapore, has recently seen a surge in health awareness. As a result, the health-functional food market in Malaysia has also grown significantly, from 1.5 trillion won in 2018 to an estimated 2.4 trillion won in 2024. Guardian, a representative health-functional food distribution channel in Malaysia, operates about 600 outlets, and Watsons runs approximately 700 outlets as well.
KGC plans to further its success by opening a new flagship store in Guardian and Watsons, targeting a penetration rate of 70% to 80%. They held events to announce their brands and products to local customers, including a promotional event at Suria KLCC, a landmark In Kuala Lumpur and offered sample drinks to visitors to boost brand awareness.