Which One Is Real... China Strikes Again with Fake Buldak Bokkeummyeon Flooding Overseas Markets

"Characters and Fonts Are Similar... Hard to Tell the Real One"
"'Made in People's Republic of China' Indicated"
"Active Measures Needed to Protect Intellectual Property Rights"

Professor Seokyung Deok from Sungshin Women's University expressed concerns about the "fake Buldak Bokkeummyeon" being sold overseas, stating that it "could negatively affect the image of 'K-Food'."

On the 25th, Professor Seo opened his remarks on his social media service (SNS) by saying, "Samyang Foods' Buldak Bokkeummyeon, which is hugely popular both domestically and internationally, is causing controversy as counterfeit products are being sold all over the world." He explained, "I recently learned about this through reports from many netizens living abroad, and there were already numerous posts on SNS warning to 'beware of fakes.' The packaging characters and fonts are similar, and there are even 'KOREA marks' and 'Halal marks' attached, making it difficult for overseas consumers to distinguish the genuine product."

Professor Seo continued, "In particular, instead of the Samyang Foods mark, the company name 'BINGOONE' is printed, and on the back, it says 'MADE IN P.R.C,'" adding, "'P.R.C' stands for 'People's Republic of China,' which is the official name of China."

The 'fake Buldak Bokkeummyeon' made in China has been sold worldwide, sparking controversy. Professor Seo Kyung-deok Facebook

Professor Seo said, "In 2021, major food companies such as Samyang Foods, CJ CheilJedang, Ottogi, and Daesang formed a 'Joint Council to Eradicate K-Food Counterfeits' and filed intellectual property infringement lawsuits against Chinese companies, winning some cases." However, he noted, "The compensation amounts ordered by Chinese courts were ridiculously low compared to the actual damages suffered by each company, which caused controversy." He added, "If such counterfeit foods continue to spread worldwide, it could also negatively impact the currently thriving 'K-Food' image." He emphasized, "Now, the Korean government must actively respond to ensure that our companies can protect their intellectual property rights overseas." Finally, he added, "Chinese companies selling counterfeit products worldwide should stop this practice now."

Meanwhile, Buldak Bokkeummyeon is explosively popular worldwide, especially on SNS platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Riding the wave of this 'Buldak Syndrome,' Samyang Foods' overseas sales last year increased by 65% compared to the previous year, reaching 1.3359 trillion won. Buldak Bokkeummyeon has recently succeeded in entering markets such as Somalia and Morocco in Africa, Lebanon in the Middle East, Tajikistan in Central Asia, and Hungary in Europe, continuing its momentum. To meet global demand, Samyang Foods has decided to establish a production corporation in China, aiming to start operations in the first quarter of 2027.