"Making 130 Million Won a Day with Dujjonku"... This Is the Original Creator

Original Creator of "Dubai Chewy Cookie" Revealed
Kim Nara, Former Navy Aviation NCO and Confectionery Manager
30,000 Cookies Produced Daily... 130 Million Won in Sales

The nationwide craze for "Dubai Chewy Cookies" (Dujjonku), which are currently in short supply across the country, shows no signs of fading. Recently, the original creator of Dujjonku has been revealed, drawing significant attention. The person in question is Kim Nara, a former Navy aviation non-commissioned officer and current confectionery manager.

"Making 130 Million Won a Day with Dujjonku"... This Is the Original Creator

Kim Nara, known as the original creator of Dujjonku, a former Navy aviation non-commissioned officer and confectionery manager. Screenshot from SBS "Master of Living" broadcast.

Recently, the SBS program "The Masters of Living" focused on Kim, the original developer of Dujjonku. Kim began home baking as a hobby during his military service and, after his discharge, entered the dessert business with Lee Yunmin, CEO of Mont Cookie, whom he met through military connections.

Dujjonku, Born from a Regular Customer's Request

The first product Kim introduced was a coated "chewy cookie." This product, which gained popularity for its soft texture, reached a turning point in April last year when Dubai chocolate became a trend on social media. The catalyst was a regular customer's request to "make it in Dubai style."

Kim completely revised his original recipe. By incorporating kadaif and pistachio paste, ingredients commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts, he created a double-textured cookie that is chewy on the outside and crispy on the inside. After months of experimentation, the result was the "Dubai Chewy Cookie."

The broadcast also revealed in detail the recipe development process of Manager Kim. Screenshot from SBS 'The Masters of Living'

The broadcast also provided a detailed look at Kim's recipe development process. For example, he minimized the moisture in the kadaif by using brown rice as a natural desiccant, and kept the dough elastic by melting only 70% of the marshmallows instead of fully dissolving them. The signature "chewy outside, crispy inside" identity of Dujjonku is the product of such persistent experimentation.

30,000 Cookies Produced Daily, 130 Million Won in Daily Sales

As word spread about Dujjonku, production scaled up dramatically. The company now produces about 30,000 Dujjonku cookies per day, with a manufacturing staff of 50. On the broadcast, Kim stated, "Daily sales amount to approximately 130 million won."

Manager Kim stated, "The daily sales amount to approximately 130 million won." Screenshot from SBS's Master of Living broadcast.

The Dujjonku craze has spread throughout the industry. Starting with Dujjonku, a variety of derivative products such as "Dubai Chewy Kimbap," "Dubai Towel Cake," and "Dubai Tart" are now available nationwide. Every day, lines stretching hundreds of meters form at stores across the country.

"No Intention to Monopolize the Name or Recipe"

However, Kim made it clear that he has no intention of monopolizing the name or recipe of Dujjonku. He stated, "I believe the current trend was created because many shops have interpreted the Dubai Chewy Cookie in their own ways," adding, "My goal is to build a brand that is loved for a long time, rather than just chasing a short-term trend."

Online reactions have been enthusiastic. Comments include, "I've always wondered who developed Dujjonku," "Thanks to this, my wallet has gotten thinner," "130 million won in daily sales is incredible," and "It makes sense that the original creator of Dujjonku earns that much."