Malaysia’s Social Media Influencer 'Kimchibudu' Receives Honorary Seoul Citizenship

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s social media influencer Muhamad Khalid Ismail has received the Seoul honorary citizenship award from the Seoul metropolitan government in recognition for his contributions. The Kimchibudu Youtube channel founder said that the award was a great honour to him. The Kota Bharu-born Muhamad Khalid came to Seoul 14 years ago and now calls South Korea his second home. Kota Bharu is the capital city of Malaysia’s east coast state Kelantan. “This is the highest honour I’ve ever received from the South Korean government. Thank you, Seoul for appreciating the efforts of my wife and I to make Seoul a Muslim-friendly global city and for prioritising halal tourism, as well as making me a little ambassador linking Korea and Malaysia. “What’s more, this year is the 60th anniversary of diplomacy between South Korea and Malaysia,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. He said the award ceremony was supposed to officiate by the Governor of Seoul on Nov 25 but had to be cancelled due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the area and only a photo session was held for the recipient. He also uploaded photos of him and his wife receiving the award. He explained, however, that the award did not mean he had changed his nationality. “I am still Malaysian, Malaysia is my homeland,” he said. -- BERNAMA