Amid support for areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, posts in Japan insulting Korean-produced water spread in response to water aid from Korean companies. The support consisted of 1,000 boxes of water from Korean Air (12,000 bottles in total) and daily necessities provided by MUSINSA, prompting debate alongside efforts to aid the affected areas' recovery.
While Korean companies provided drinking water and daily necessities to areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, an insulting post on the Japanese internet claiming that Korean-produced water could only be used as water for flush toilets became a topic of discussion. The reactions of both the recipients and the providers of the aid were reported.
Korean Air provided 1,000 boxes of drinking water, totaling 12,000 bottles, to Kumamoto on a cargo flight from Incheon Airport to Kitakyushu. MUSINSA provided daily necessities, including arm covers and hand towels, free of charge, and enclosed messages wishing for the affected areas' recovery in the shipping boxes.
After seeing the post, people on the South Korean internet criticized it, asking, “How can you say something like that about a country that helped you?” Some Japanese users responded with posts citing pride as their reason.
The Kumamoto earthquake's death toll has been reported as 38. Debate over related aid activities and statements continues, while efforts to support the affected areas' recovery remain ongoing.