Cardi B also joins Buldak Challenge “BTS’s Jimin’s role in globalizing K-food highlighted”
BTS's Jimin has been highlighted as a key figure in the globalization of K-food, proving his exceptional popularity and influence
Amid the explosive increase in global interest and demand for Korean cuisine, Jimin’s contribution to the spread of K-food alongside Hallyu has been extensively analyzed. This time, famous American rapper Cardi B joined the “Buldak Challenge”, which enjoyed worldwide promotional effects thanks to Jimin’s influence.
Previously, Cardi B named Jimin as her favorite among BTS members. Her participation in the “Buldak Challenge” further fueled discussions among fans, highlighting Jimin’s influence on K-food.
Fueled by the enduring popularity of the “Buldak Challenge”, Samyang’s Buldak Ramen, which has established itself as a representative K-ramen overseas, continues to soar in popularity. The manufacturer Samyang Foods, with sales of 141.9 billion won in 2016, surpassed 800 billion won in overseas sales last year, achieving a total revenue of 1 trillion won. This remarkable growth was evidenced by a 70% increase in its stock price while the KOSPI rose by 19% last year.
Major domestic and international media outlets have consistently evaluated that “thanks to Jimin, K-ramen has entered its second heyday“. Kim Jung-soo, Vice Chairman of Samyang Foods, expressed her gratitude through a broadcast program, saying, “Thanks to Jimin for enjoying Buldak Ramen, we are enjoying a significant advertising effect.“
Furthermore, a representative of Samyang Foods, which participated as the main sponsor of BTS’s concerts in the United States, attributed Jimin as a key factor in the popularity of Buldak Ramen in the United States, stating “Thanks to Jimin, we built a new factory in Miryang“, demonstrating Jimin’s tremendous influence.
Jimin, the first and only Korean soloist to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and Artist 100 charts simultaneously, has not only reached the pinnacle of the music world but also become a global icon, with everything he eats and drinks, including tteokbokki, dumplings, coffee and Citrus Tea, becoming a global issue and being mentioned in economic magazines like Bloomberg.
