Jaha Koo explores identity in ‘Haribo Kimchi’ at Edinburgh Festival

In the one-man show ‘Haribo Kimchi’, performer Jaha Koo explores themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. Having moved from South Korea to Europe 15 years ago, Koo uses food as a central narrative tool to navigate his sense of rootlessness and the alienation caused by racism.

The production, staged for Campo in Ghent and performing at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre Studio, features Koo preparing various Korean dishes, such as kimchi pancakes and cucumber starters, at a street-food snack bar. The performance blends storytelling with culinary elements and screen projections to reflect on how national cuisine can provide a sense of community and salvation for the displaced.