[National Brand] Dominating for 73 Years with a 'Tingling' Taste... The Origin Story of the Name 'Chilsung Cider'

Released in May 1950, just before the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25
Product name inspired by the surnames of 7 shareholders
Imprinted as the 'Original Taste of Cider'

"It’s like cider."

This phrase has become a 'byword' uttered when a feeling of chest tightness or a lump in the throat is relieved, or when witnessing a thrilling scene that confronts injustice. It is often used in various fields such as politics, economy, society, and culture to mean refreshing like the sharpness of cider.

Chilsung Cider Main Products
Photo by Lotte Chilsung Beverage

This year marks the 73rd anniversary of Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s 'Chilsung Cider,' which is the archetype of cider. Over many years, it has been imprinted on consumers as the standard for what the 'original taste of cider' should be.

Chilsung Cider was introduced to the world on May 9, 1950, just before the outbreak of the Korean War. It was the first product launched by 'Dongbang Cheongnyang Beverage Partnership Company,' established on December 15, 1949, by seven shareholders: Choi Geum-deok, Park Un-seok, Bang Gye-ryang, Joo Dong-ik, Jeong Seon-myeong, Kim Myeong-geun, and Woo Sang-dae. The shareholders initially named the product 'Chilseong (七姓)' meaning 'seven surnames,' inspired by the fact that each had a different family name, but later changed the Chinese character to 'star (星)' to symbolize the company’s eternal prosperity before launching it.

To maintain the brand authenticity of 'clear and transparent,' Chilsung Cider uses only water purified through advanced water treatment processes. It also uses only natural flavors extracted from lemon and lime, with no artificial coloring added.

Lotte Chilsung Beverage has consistently introduced new Chilsung Cider products reflecting consumer trends to expand the domestic cider market. A representative example is 'Chilsung Cider Zero,' launched in 2021. Recognizing that consumers seek carbonated drinks they can enjoy deliciously without calorie concerns, it maintains the taste and aroma of Chilsung Cider while removing calories. In May 2020, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the product’s launch?the first among domestic carbonated drinks?Lotte Chilsung Beverage appointed BTS as models and introduced 'Chilsung Cider Cheonggyul' (green tangerine) and 'Chilsung Cider Peach' alongside the original Chilsung Cider.

Even after 70 years since its release, Chilsung Cider remains a national brand holding a dominant position with about 60% market share in the domestic cider market. Last year, it surpassed 400 billion KRW in annual sales as a single product, accounting for 63% of Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s carbonated drink sales. Since its initial launch, cumulative sales have reached approximately 33 billion cans (based on 250ml cans) as of the end of last month over 73 years.