How BTS Jimin Sparked a K-Ramen Boom and Redefined Global Food Trends
From Iconic Idol to Economic Powerhouse: Jimin’s Influence on Buldak Ramen’s Global Success
BTS Jimin’s Surprising Economic Impact Beyond Music
When it comes to global influence, few can match BTS’s Jimin. His star power not only dominates the charts but has also ignited a food craze with worldwide economic impact. The 16th Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul recently highlighted how Jimin’s viral moments boosted Samyang Foods’ Buldak Ramen to new heights.
How a Bite Became a Business Phenomenon
In 2020, Pick Entertainment CEO Myungwan Park recalled a heartfelt thank you from Samyang Foods’ chairman to Jimin during a TV appearance. The gratitude stemmed from a live broadcast where Jimin ate Buldak Ramen, making it an instant sensation. Fans flocked to try the spicy noodles, propelling Samyang Foods past competitors like Nongshim to the top of the instant ramen industry.
The Fandom Effect: From Korea to Cardi B
Jimin’s love for Buldak Ramen didn’t just go viral in Korea; it became a global food challenge. Influencers, YouTubers, and even Cardi B, who declared herself a Jimin fan, joined the ‘Buldak Ramen Challenge’, spreading the K-ramen craze internationally. As a result, Samyang Foods reported its highest-ever quarterly operating profit in Q1, surpassing 100 billion KRW and crediting Jimin with this new golden era of Korean ramen.
Beyond Ramen: The Jimin-Driven Wave in K-Food
Jimin’s power extends beyond ramen. Everything he eats or drinks—tteokbokki, dumplings, coffee, yuzu tea—becomes a trending global topic. Bloomberg and other prominent media outlets have recognized Jimin as a driving force behind K-culture’s global recognition. Samyang Foods even built a new factory in Miryang, a testament to BTS Jimin’s far-reaching influence.
Global Cultural Icon & Economic Game-Changer
Jimin, the first and only Korean solo artist to simultaneously top the Billboard Hot 100 and Artist 100 charts, is more than a music star. His impact is deeply felt across industries, redefining how artists can shape global trends and economics, making him a true symbol of cultural power in the modern world.
