Baek Jong-won, Named 'Farmers' Tall Uncle' Following Jeong Yong-jin and Ham Young-jun, Chairman of Ottogi

Otogi Asked to Purchase Wando Kelp Stockpiled Due to Weak Consumption
Otogi to Launch Odongtongmyeon with 2 Kelp Sheets per Pack

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Sunghye] Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, has named Ham Young-jun, chairman of Ottogi, as the next 'Farmers' Tall Uncle' following Chung Yong-jin, vice chairman of Shinsegae Group. This came as a love call after hearing the news that 2,000 tons of Wando kelp stockpiles have accumulated due to sluggish consumption.

According to the industry on the 5th, Baek made a phone call to Chairman Ham through the preview of SBS entertainment program 'Delicious Rendezvous' aired on the 4th, requesting Ottogi to purchase more Wando kelp.

The preview showed the unfortunate situation where 2,000 tons of kelp stockpiled over two years remained untouched. Baek created kelp kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup) to promote kelp consumption, and Park Jaebeom exclaimed, "It's delicious. I think I came from far away to eat this."

Then Baek said, "If the ramen company adds one more sheet of kelp, it would be amazing. Since it came to mind, let's try it," and made a phone call somewhere. When Baek explained, "Senior, there are 2,000 tons of kelp left," Chairman Ham responded positively, saying, "We currently have kelp in our products, but adding about two sheets would give a much deeper flavor."

Ottogi has been selling 'Odongtongmyeon,' which contains kelp, since 2005. Currently, kelp produced in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, is used. With this development, Ottogi is expected to also use kelp produced in Wando, Jeollanam-do, for Odongtongmyeon. To this end, last month, Ottogi's suppliers visited Wando Geumil Fisheries Cooperative, which consigns the sale of dried kelp, to check the status of dried kelp.

Wando kelp is currently purchased and used by Nongshim at 400 tons annually to add to 'Neoguri' ramen, and with Ottogi joining in, the depletion speed of the stock is expected to accelerate.

An Ottogi official said, "We plan to release Odongtongmyeon with two sheets of kelp per pack around the main broadcast next week," adding, "It will be introduced as a limited edition first, and depending on consumer response, we will consider an official launch."

Meanwhile, 'Delicious Rendezvous,' which helps struggling farmers and fishermen, is attracting attention as Baek Jong-won presents new recipes every week. In the Gangneung and Haenam episodes, Vice Chairman Chung purchased 30 tons of imperfect potatoes and 300 tons of imperfect king sweet potatoes, respectively, providing support, and these were sold out through Emart and other outlets.