South Korean man suffers heart-attack after having 'live octopus'

Can a "live octopus" dish kill? In South Korea, an 82-year-old man who experienced a heart attack after choking on a piece of "live octopus", also known as san-nakji, a local delicacy comprising freshly severed tentacles that continue to wriggle.

The incident prompted a report to the fire station authorities in Gwangju, a city located near the southern tip of the country. According to an official from the fire station, the report came in on a Monday morning, indicating that a piece of san-nakji had become lodged in the man's throat.

First responders promptly arrived at the scene, where they found the man in a state of cardiac arrest. They initiated CPR efforts to address the critical situation. The health status of the person concerned is yet to be known.


San-nakji is a reference to a small octopus, which is sliced and served raw, commonly enjoyed in South Korea's coastal regions and seafood markets. Despite the name "live octopus," it's important to note that the octopus is killed before serving, with its tentacles sliced into portions. However, it is served immediately after slicing, and it remains incredibly fresh, resulting in active nerve activity in the tentacles. This phenomenon gives the impression of the octopus being 'live' as it continues to move on the plate. San-nakji is often accompanied by sesame oil, sesame seeds, and occasionally ginger, offering a chewy texture that's highly regarded.

FAQs

Q1. What does san-nakji refer to?
A1. San-nakji is a reference to a small octopus, which is sliced and served raw, commonly enjoyed in South Korea's coastal regions and seafood markets.

Q2. Is it actually live octopus?
A2. Despite the name "live octopus," it's important to note that the octopus is killed before serving, with its tentacles sliced into portions. However, it is served immediately after slicing, and it remains incredibly fresh, resulting in active nerve activity in the tentacles. This phenomenon gives the impression of the octopus being 'live' as it continues to move on the plate.