It is reported that BTS Jimin is a driving factor behind the rise in Korean ramen exports
Recently, the Korea Agro-Fisheries Food Trade Corporation (aT) and the Korea Customs Service tentatively estimated that Korean ramen exports in the first half of this year were USD 446.2 million (approximately KRW 582.7 billion). This is a 16.4% increase from $383.28 million in exports in the same period last year. The figure has risen steadily since it hit $13.83 million in the first half of 2015, surpassing $400 million for the first time this year.
K-culture is especially conducive to Korea’s economic success. In one livestream, BTS Jimin was eating buldak chicken stir-fried ramen by Samyang Food. Another example was the appearance of Jjapaguri (ram-don, a Korean noodle dish) in the box-office smash hit “Parasite.”
The livestream of Jimin’s eating the spicy noodle prompted a new eating challenge on YouTube, indirectly contributing to the promotion of Samyang buldak chicken stir-fried ramen to overseas fans.
Even products similar to buldak chicken stir-fried ramen are becoming popular in and out of Korea. The Samyang Food Vice Chairman Kim Jung Soo said, “K-ramen had a second heyday thanks to Jimin,” adding, “Thankfully, I’m enjoying the advertising effect.”
Jimin is an artist who enjoys global popularity. On SNS, a trending phrase reads, “I don’t know K-pop, but I know Jimin.” The singer has promoted a resurgent interest of international fans in various K-food, one of which is the buldak chicken stir-fried ramen.
On another occasion, Jimin’s eating tteokbokki in Dongdaemun gained special interest. Korea’s rice-processed food exports exceeded $100 million for the first time in 2020, and the amount of red pepper paste was raised, both of which are main ingredients for making tteokbokki.
Bloomberg News also listed frozen dumplings, coffee, and citron tea as the products receiving heightened interest thanks to Jimin.
Source: nate
