Journalist

Kim Hyun-ahh
  • Global Tea Brand CHAGEE Enters South Korea, Pledges Focus on ‘Real Tea’ Experience
    Global Tea Brand CHAGEE Enters South Korea, Pledges Focus on ‘Real Tea’ Experience Global modern tea brand CHAGEE has entered the South Korean market, pitching tea’s natural flavor and an in-store experience as an alternative in a coffee-dominated beverage scene. CHAGEE on April 28 held a media day at its Gangnam flagship store in Seoul to outline its Korea launch and brand strategy. Kim Jwa-hyeon, CEO of CHAGEE Korea, and Kim Jeong-hee, the company’s chief marketing officer, presented the brand’s philosophy, products and store concept. The company says its mission is to “connect people through a good cup of tea,” positioning itself as a modern take on premium tea. Founded in China’s Yunnan province in 2017, CHAGEE now operates about 7,000 stores across China, Southeast Asia and the United States, among other markets. Kim Jwa-hyeon said the company sees growing interest in tea as more than a drink. “There is a growing trend to expand tea into an everyday experience,” he said, adding that South Korea’s high expectations for quality and experience align with CHAGEE’s direction. CHAGEE will open three stores simultaneously on April 30: the Gangnam flagship, a Sinchon location and a store at Yongsan’s I’Park Mall. The company said the Gangnam store will concentrate the brand experience, Sinchon will target younger consumers, and Yongsan will serve as a hub for a broader customer base. CHAGEE said its product strategy centers on “the natural flavor of tea,” led by milk tea made with tea brewed in-store and fresh milk. It is emphasizing balance over intense sweetness. Kim Jeong-hee said the company designed “the entire process — from selecting tea leaves to extraction to drinking — as a single experience.” The Gangnam store is built around a tea bar and is designed for customers to stay and drink, rather than focusing only on takeout. The company said it incorporated Korean architectural elements and collaborations with artists to reflect local sensibilities. For now, CHAGEE will operate directly run stores. Kim Jwa-hyeon said the company will focus first on managing customer touchpoints and delivering a consistent brand experience, adding that franchising will be considered later depending on market response. At the stores, drinks were priced at 4,900 to 5,600 won for regular sizes and 5,600 to 6,600 won for large sizes. The menu will initially follow global standards, with localized items to be introduced later to reflect Korean tastes, the company said. CHAGEE said it is prioritizing experience-led growth over short-term buzz. Under the message “Real Tea, Real Moments,” it plans to encourage organic expansion through store experiences and customer engagement. “I believe in the power of a cup of tea, and we will sincerely share that experience with Korean consumers,” Kim Jwa-hyeon said. “I ask for your interest and expectations for the journey CHAGEE will build in Korea.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 17:09:48
  • BR Korea Names Cho Yoon-sang CEO
    BR Korea Names Cho Yoon-sang CEO BR Korea, which operates Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin, said April 28 it has appointed Cho Yoon-sang as its new CEO. Cho is a management specialist with 27 years of experience in marketing and digital strategy at major companies in South Korea and abroad. He previously led the marketing communications group at LG Electronics and served as marketing director at YUM! Global, a global franchise operator of Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell, overseeing assessments of brands’ digital competitiveness, organizational management and marketing strategy. He later served as chief marketing officer for the Asia-Pacific region, leading product innovation and marketing strategy. During the pandemic, he was credited with advancing new channel strategies centered on delivery apps to respond to rapid shifts in the dining market. Most recently, Cho served as CEO of Pizza Hut Korea, where he led efforts to strengthen the organization. The company said he reinforced cooperation through direct communication with franchisees while pursuing digital transformation and performance-based restructuring, shifting the business model toward profitability. BR Korea said the appointment is aimed at strengthening its management foundation and accelerating efforts to boost brand competitiveness and digital transformation. A BR Korea official said Cho is a leader with broad market understanding, experience and strong on-the-ground execution, adding that the company expects him to raise the brand value of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin and further advance its business model through digital innovation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 14:06:17
  • Dining Industry Eyes Short-Term Boost as High Fuel Price Relief Payments Roll Out
    Dining Industry Eyes Short-Term Boost as High Fuel Price Relief Payments Roll Out High fuel price relief payments have begun rolling out, and expectations are rising across South Korea’s dining industry. Because the payments can be used only at neighborhood businesses and small-merchant franchise outlets, the industry expects spending to flow to everyday dining such as fried chicken and snack foods. According to the industry on the 27th, dining franchises allow the relief payments to be used at franchisee-run stores, but not at company-owned outlets. Franchise operators have moved quickly, posting signs at entrances saying the payments are accepted. Headquarters are also supporting stores by distributing promotional materials, aiming to capture customers as the funds enter the market. The optimism reflects last year’s experience with government-issued consumer coupons. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said that during last year’s livelihood recovery coupon program, restaurants accounted for 40.3% of total spending, or 3.6419 trillion won, making dining out a leading beneficiary. Major brands also reported measurable gains. Kyochon Chicken posted operating profit of 11.3 billion won in the third quarter of last year, up 47.2% from a year earlier, during the period when coupons were issued. BBQ and bhc said weekly sales rose by 18% and more than 25%, respectively, right after the payouts. Industry officials expect a similar pattern this time, noting that time-limited payments tend to be spent quickly on services such as dining out and delivery. “When payments are issued, the pattern has been that people first spend them on dining they can buy immediately near home,” one industry official said. “This time, too, we expect a noticeable improvement in sales, especially at franchise outlets.” The timing is also seen as favorable, with the spring and summer peak season for outdoor activity approaching and the professional baseball season underway, which could lift delivery and takeout demand, particularly for chicken, the industry said. Still, some analysts cautioned against overly rosy expectations. The payments are expected to be about 100,000 to 150,000 won per person for most people, excluding basic livelihood recipients and near-poverty households — about 40% of last year’s minimum consumer coupon amount of 250,000 won — raising doubts that the boost will match last year’s. With ingredient costs rising over the past year and labor costs still high, some also say the net benefit to franchise owners may be limited. “A temporary rebound is possible from the policy effect, but in a high-inflation environment, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to a real recovery in consumption,” another industry official said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:23:10
  • Daesang Chungjungone Marks 30th Anniversary at Seoul Spring Festival; Woongjin, KGC Launch Promotions
    Daesang Chungjungone Marks 30th Anniversary at Seoul Spring Festival; Woongjin, KGC Launch Promotions Daesang Chungjungone runs '30th anniversary' brand booth at Seoul Spring Festival Daesang’s Chungjungone brand is taking part in the “2026 Seoul Spring Festival” to expand consumer engagement, the company said Sunday. The city-center culture and tourism festival is co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization. It began on April 10 and runs through May 5 along the Han River. About 820,000 people attended last year, including about 22% foreign tourists. Chungjungone is operating a brand booth at Yeouido Hangang Park in two phases: April 24-26 and May 1-5. The booth offers tastings and event-based activities aimed at direct interaction with domestic and overseas visitors. The booth is built around the brand’s 30th anniversary campaign message, “Today We Wanted.” It features a “30th anniversary emblem” using Chungjungone’s signature colors and shapes, alongside key products, the company said. On-site programs focus on low-sugar and low-calorie items. After completing participation steps via QR code, visitors can sample “Low-Sugar Hongcho” and choose products such as “Kongdam Baekmyeon Bibim Guksu” and “Grainbow Tuna & Crab.” A social media verification event also offers a roulette-style giveaway of items including low-sugar ketchup, pork cutlet sauce and oyster sauce. About 6,500 people visited during the first three-day run, April 24-26, the company said. It expects additional traffic during the May holiday period. Woongjin Foods to hold 50th anniversary online appreciation sale Woongjin Foods said it will launch a large-scale discount event to mark its 50th anniversary and thank customers. The company said the “50th Anniversary Appreciation Sale” will run from Sunday through May 24 on its Naver Brand Store, offering discounts of up to 56% across a broad lineup, from long-running brands to newer products reflecting recent trends. It will sell 24-count, two-item selection sets bundling products such as The Victoria sparkling water and tea drinks including Haneulbori, Achimhaetsal and Chorokmaesil, aiming to improve shopping convenience through curated packages, the company said. A separate special package will focus on newer items, combining products such as “Jayeoneun The Dried Peach,” “Teazle Zero Peach Oolong Tea,” and fresh-brew green tea and hojicha, using the same selection format. All packages include a scratch coupon for additional benefits. A consumer event, titled “Our 50 Years, Your Story,” will invite customers to share brand-related experiences in comments. Winners will be selected by drawing to receive new products or discount coupons. On the first day, Woongjin Foods will also run a live commerce broadcast at 10 a.m. tied to Naver Brand Day, offering extra benefits on top of the discounts. “We prepared this event to repay the support customers have shown over the past 50 years,” a Woongjin Foods official said. “We will continue to expand customer touchpoints through various promotions.” KGC JungKwanJang unveils new Everytime campaign with actor Park Bo-gum KGC said Sunday it has released a new advertising campaign for Everytime featuring actor Park Bo-gum as the model. The campaign promotes a daily health routine for moments when people need energy. In the ads, Park is shown managing his health with Everytime whenever he feels low on energy, emphasizing steady, everyday habits rather than a one-time boost. The campaign includes three spots — an office worker version, a baseball cheering version and a combined version — portraying relatable situations when energy dips. KGC said the ads highlight Everytime’s differentiated value, framed as clearing fatigue and replenishing energy based on the scientific functionality of red ginseng. JungKwanJang’s Everytime, launched in 2012, has recorded cumulative sales of 2 trillion won, KGC said. It has exported more than 7 million units to 22 countries and has expanded formats including sticks, ampoules and films, along with product lines ranging from the premium “Limited” to the milder “Soft” and fruit-flavored “Flavor.” To mark the ad launch and Family Month, KGC Korea Ginseng Corp. said it will run promotions through May 16 at JungKwanJang franchise stores nationwide, department stores, Jung Mall and Naver Store. Major products including “Everytime Original” and “Film” will be sold at discounts of at least 10%. New customers who visit stores and sign up for Members during the period will receive an “Everytime Energy Pack” (three-day trial) worth 10,000 won, the company said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:12:13
  • Dongsuh Foods’ Maxim Plant in Seoul Unveils Spring Makeover and Lavender Latte
    Dongsuh Foods’ Maxim Plant in Seoul Unveils Spring Makeover and Lavender Latte Maxim Plant, a landmark coffee venue in Seoul’s Hannam-dong operated by Dongsuh Foods, has refreshed its look for spring with a purple-themed design and a seasonal menu. The company has positioned the site as a coffee culture space, rotating interiors and offerings by season. Dongsuh Foods said on the 27th that Maxim Plant, which opened in April 2018, has logged about 1.55 million cumulative visitors, supported by seasonal staging, specialty coffee and hands-on content. This spring’s concept is “a brief, complete rest with a cup of coffee.” The area in front of the first-floor folding doors has been set up as a flower-shop-style photo zone, while green plants above the central counter add a fresh feel. The seasonal drink is a lavender latte, made with spring-blend espresso and lavender syrup. The company said it balances grape-like notes and acidity with the softness of milk, leaving a fragrant, sweet finish. On the third floor, the brewing lounge is running a “Synesthesia Coffee” program. Visitors use a tablet to choose flavor, acidity and roast level, receive a tailored bean recommendation, and are provided matching poetry and music. Customers can listen on a headset at dedicated seats while drinking their coffee. Maxim Plant also offers a basic class on coffee fundamentals and programs that let visitors try roasting and extraction. To mark the venue’s eighth anniversary, Dongsuh Foods plans a members-only 1+1 promotion for its popular blend beans “Deep Dive” and “Golden Sky.” A Dongsuh Foods official said the spring season combines lavender-based drinks and a brighter setting to help visitors take a break in the city, adding that the company will continue to introduce differentiated menus and content.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 16:18:19
  • CJ Logistics Launches Campaign to Cut Shipping Costs, Promote Small Food Sellers
    CJ Logistics Launches Campaign to Cut Shipping Costs, Promote Small Food Sellers CJ Logistics said Monday it is launching “Hamkke Sane, Gachi One,” a project to identify promising small and midsize food companies and support them with logistics subsidies and promotion. The campaign targets small merchants with strong products and fresh ideas who still struggle to expand sales channels because of shipping and marketing costs. Any food seller that ships and sells products by parcel delivery can apply through the campaign’s official website from Monday through May 25. CJ Logistics said it will select 30 companies after evaluating taste and quality, price competitiveness and suitability for delivery. Of those, 20 will each receive 1 million won in shipping support. Another 10 will receive up to 2 million won in shipping support and help producing promotional content called “O-NE Pick Review,” featuring a well-known influencer. The company said it partnered with mukbang review YouTuber “Heukbaek Review,” which has 830,000 subscribers, to boost credibility and reach. The videos will be uploaded to CJ Logistics’ YouTube channel, “Ige One (O-NE),” with purchase links to connect viewers to sales. Two selected companies that draw strong consumer response will also get a chance to be featured on Heukbaek Review’s main channel. A CJ Logistics official said the campaign was designed to ease small merchants’ logistics burden and help competitive products reach more consumers. The official said the company will continue practical partnership programs that allow it to grow alongside small and midsize businesses and small merchants across industries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 14:49:00
  • CJ CheilJedang Expands Partnership With Vietnam Retailer Bach Hoa Xanh to Grow K-Food Sales
    CJ CheilJedang Expands Partnership With Vietnam Retailer Bach Hoa Xanh to Grow K-Food Sales CJ CheilJedang is expanding cooperation with Vietnam’s largest retail network as it steps up its push in the local food market, aiming to accelerate the spread of K-food through closer manufacturing and distribution collaboration. The company said April 27 it will broaden its partnership with Bach Hoa Xanh, Vietnam’s No. 1 retailer. Bach Hoa Xanh is a supermarket chain under MWG, Vietnam’s largest retail group, and operates about 2,760 stores nationwide. CJ CheilJedang has sold key products through the chain, including Bibigo dumplings and rolls, kimchi and seaweed. Sales through the channel have grown an average of 20% annually over the past four years, the company said. The expanded partnership is intended to drive joint growth and help modernize Vietnam’s food culture by combining CJ CheilJedang’s product development and cold-chain capabilities with Bach Hoa Xanh’s distribution infrastructure to strengthen competitiveness in processed foods. The companies plan to widen the K-food lineup and co-develop products tailored to local consumer trends. They also plan to upgrade food safety and quality management systems and invest in refrigerated and frozen logistics. Marketing will include a dedicated CJ section within the retailer’s app and hands-on promotional events, in addition to in-store efforts. CJ CheilJedang and Bach Hoa Xanh signed a memorandum of understanding in Hanoi on April 23 on expanding K-food and leading the processed foods market. The signing was held in connection with the Korea-Vietnam Business Forum. Jo Jaebeom, head of CJ CheilJedang’s Food Asia-Pacific headquarters, and Nguyen Duc Tai, MWG chairman, attended. Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-gwan and Vietnam’s Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan were also present, the company said. CJ CheilJedang entered Vietnam in 2015 with a milling business and has expanded through localization, mergers and acquisitions, and building production bases. The company said last year’s sales were about seven times the 2016 level. It added that it holds the No. 1 market share in dumplings and kimchi in Vietnam after entering those categories early. CJ CheilJedang said the partnership will help it expand distribution beyond its southern base around Ho Chi Minh City to northern Vietnam and smaller cities. It also plans to broaden its portfolio beyond frozen and chilled items to include shelf-stable products such as noodles and snacks, as well as chilled processed meat products. A CJ CheilJedang official said the partnership with Bach Hoa Xanh will be an important step for Bibigo to become a “national brand” in Vietnam. The official said the company will continue expanding K-food by offering products and services tailored to local consumers’ lifestyles.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 10:49:25
  • KGC Highlights Red Ginseng Benefits at Global Science Meeting, Boosting Overseas Push
    KGC Highlights Red Ginseng Benefits at Global Science Meeting, Boosting Overseas Push Korean red ginseng, a leading health supplement, is gaining momentum overseas as research presented on the international academic stage points to a range of potential benefits. KGC said the growing body of scientific evidence is helping build credibility in foreign markets. KGC, which operates the red ginseng brand CheongKwanJang, said it recently held an academic seminar on the latest red ginseng research at the International Society for Natural Product Sciences (ICSB) meeting in Mississippi. About 400 researchers attended, including officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the company said. Presentations covered findings on key functions of red ginseng, including neuroprotection, anti-aging and blood sugar regulation. Researchers also outlined a proposed mechanism in which ginsenosides cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to protecting nerve cells. In clinical research on metabolic health, the red ginseng group showed a tendency toward lower post-meal and fasting blood glucose levels, and indicators of insulin secretion were also analyzed as improved, KGC said. The company said the results suggest potential use in blood sugar management, an area of strong global demand. Human application tests also indicated reduced oxidative stress and improved sleep quality. Industry observers say such findings could broaden red ginseng beyond immunity-focused products into anti-aging, metabolic and brain health categories. KGC said it is also expanding distribution. Red ginseng products are sold through major North American channels including Amazon, Costco and Sprouts. The company cited alignment with health trends such as gluten-free and caffeine-free products as a growth factor. “Red ginseng is an ingredient whose functionality has been verified through numerous studies,” a KGC official said. “Based on overseas research cooperation, we will strengthen credibility and expand locally tailored products to increase market share.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 16:50:17
  • Korean Food Makers Split on R&D Spending as Profits and Overseas Sales Diverge
    Korean Food Makers Split on R&D Spending as Profits and Overseas Sales Diverge R&D spending by South Korean food companies is increasingly split between firms cutting back to protect profits and those expanding investment on the strength of overseas growth. Companies facing weaker results and higher input costs have tended to trim research budgets and lean on proven products rather than fund new launches. Meanwhile, firms with solid overseas performance have widened the gap by boosting R&D as a longer-term growth engine. An analysis of filings with the Financial Supervisory Service showed that R&D outlays among major food makers varied sharply depending on earnings and the share of sales generated abroad. Industry leader CJ CheilJedang spent 194.5 billion won on R&D last year, down 16.6 billion won, or 7.8%, from 211.1 billion won a year earlier. Its operating profit margin fell from the 5% range to the 4% range, increasing pressure to cut costs, the analysis said. Lotte Chilsung Beverage, Ottogi and Nongshim also reduced spending. Lotte Chilsung cut R&D to 26.8 billion won from 29.6 billion won, down 9.5%. Ottogi lowered it to 19.3 billion won from 20.4 billion won, down 5.4%. Nongshim reduced it to 28.3 billion won from 29.5 billion won, down 4.1%. The pullback was most evident among companies more dependent on the domestic market or slower to recover from rising raw-material costs. By contrast, companies sustaining growth overseas increased investment. Daesang raised R&D spending to 56.9 billion won in 2025 from 46.5 billion won in 2024, up 22.4%, or 10.4 billion won, the largest increase in absolute terms among major food companies. R&D as a share of sales rose to 1.29% from 1.09%, reaching the industry’s top level. The company’s push to expand global businesses centered on ingredients and bio-related operations helped drive the increase. Samyang Foods, which has posted record results with overseas sales accounting for more than 80% of revenue, increased R&D spending to 12.7 billion won from 7.8 billion won, up 62.8%. Backed by an operating profit margin in the 20% range, it has focused funding on locally tailored products and strengthening brand competitiveness. Orion, with overseas sales making up more than 60% of revenue, increased R&D to 6.1 billion won from 5.7 billion won, up 7.0%. As overall R&D investment cools, product strategies are also shifting toward lower-risk moves. Instead of costly new launches, companies are increasingly reviving past hits with updated concepts. Nongshim restored its 1975 “Nongshim Ramyun” to mark its 60th anniversary and sold 10 million packs in three months, riding a retro trend. Lotte Wellfood also brought back discontinued nostalgic products such as “Daerong Daerong,” drawing strong consumer response. “Moves to use proven assets for more efficient management are becoming more pronounced,” a food industry official said. “But if this conservative stance lasts, basic investment to secure new technologies could shrink, and the gap in product competitiveness between companies could widen.” 2026-04-26 13:09:19
  • Hyundai Green Food to Open First Seoul Texas Roadhouse Flagship on April 28
    Hyundai Green Food to Open First Seoul Texas Roadhouse Flagship on April 28 Hyundai Green Food, the food company of Hyundai Department Store Group, said April 26 it will open the Texas Roadhouse Jamsil main store on April 28 in Bangi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Texas Roadhouse is a steak brand founded in 1993 in Indiana. It operates more than 800 locations across 11 countries, including the United States, Mexico and Taiwan. In South Korea, Hyundai Green Food opened the first store in 2020 at Hyundai Premium Outlets Space One in Namyangju and now runs six locations, including stores in Songdo and Gimpo and outlets at Hyundai Department Store’s Jungdong and Pangyo branches and The Hyundai Daegu. The Jamsil main store is the brand’s first flagship in Seoul’s core retail district. The restaurant spans about 505 square meters (153 pyeong) with 200 seats. Hours will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., one hour longer than existing stores, the company said, citing heavy foot traffic in the area. The chain has built competitiveness around offering Choice-grade steaks at reasonable prices. Stores also feature an in-house meat room and professional meat cutters so customers can see and select cuts and weights before ordering. Lee Jong-pil, executive director and head of Hyundai Green Food’s dining-out business division, said the Jamsil opening is the company’s first flagship-style store in a key Seoul commercial area. He said the launch will help promote the brand and further strengthen Hyundai Green Food’s competitiveness in the dining business.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-26 12:57:15