Im Chang-jung Makgeolli Also Faces 'Phase-Out'... Only Remaining Stock to Be Sold Off

Lotte Mart and 7-Eleven Halt Sales
Emart "Aware of Allegations, Under Review"
Possibility of Compensation Claims

The distribution industry has entered the 'phase-out process' of singer Lim Chang-jung's products, which have become embroiled in controversy due to a stock price drop incident triggered by the foreign securities firm Soci?t? G?n?rale (SG) Securities. Following Lim Chang-jung Soju, sales of Lim Chang-jung Makgeolli will also be halted.

According to the industry on the 11th, Lim Chang-jung Misutgaru Honey Makgeolli was first launched at 7-Eleven and is currently being sold at large supermarkets as well. Lotte Mart and 7-Eleven plan to completely stop sales once all existing inventory of Lim Chang-jung Misutgaru Honey Makgeolli is sold out.

Emart is currently selling Lim Chang-jung Misutgaru Honey Makgeolli normally. An Emart official stated, "We are fully aware of the suspicions surrounding Lim Chang-jung and are reviewing whether to continue sales." However, since other companies have already begun discontinuing sales, it is expected that Emart will follow the same procedure.

The product was launched in May last year by commercializing a popular menu item from Lim Chang-jung's franchise barbecue restaurant. It sparked attention on social media (SNS) due to its sweet taste and fun package design. At 7-Eleven, the initial production volume of 100,000 units sold out within three weeks of launch, gaining great popularity and paving the way for the release of Lim Chang-jung Soju.

Soju One Glass by Lim Chang-jung YouTube Advertisement.
[Photo by Seven Eleven]

On the 10th, 7-Eleven announced the end of sales for Soju Hanjan, which it exclusively sold. A 7-Eleven official said, "We decided not to sell any more once the current inventory is depleted." Initially, since Lim Chang-jung claimed to be a victim himself, they were monitoring the situation. However, as public opinion worsened after it was revealed that he attended a party hosted by suspected stock manipulation groups, they belatedly took action. 7-Eleven explained that since the product is produced by small and medium-sized breweries, they could not quickly decide to stop sales, fearing that a hasty return could lead to secondary damage.

In February this year, 7-Eleven partnered with Lim Chang-jung to launch a premium distilled soju. Since it was a product prominently featuring the title of Lim Chang-jung's hit song Soju Hanjan, he personally participated in every process from selecting raw materials to bottle design. As a result, the initial batch of 100,000 units sold out within a month of launch, receiving a very positive response.

There is also interest in whether 7-Eleven will claim damages against Lim Chang-jung. A 7-Eleven official said, "It is difficult to confirm contract details," and added, "There are no such plans yet." Typically, contracts for collaboration products with celebrities include clauses on maintaining dignity and damage compensation. An industry insider said, "From a corporate perspective, to minimize risks arising from various controversies involving celebrities, such clauses are usually included," and added, "It will depend on the contract terms."