China’s Copy Craze? Warning Issued Over Fake ‘Buldak Ramen’

Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University posted on Facebook on the 25th, sharing photos of fake Buldak Bokkeummyun (Spicy Chicken Ramen) being sold abroad. “I’ve been informed by many overseas netizens recently, and there are already tons of warnings circulating on SNS,” he said.

＜Fake ‘Buldak Ramen’＞

He added, “The packaging design, including the character and font, is very similar to the original. It even displays ‘KOREA’ and the ‘Halal’ mark, making it hard for international consumers to tell the difference.” He also noted that the manufacturer’s name is ‘BINGOONE’, not Samyang, and the back is labeled ‘MADE IN P.R.C.’, which stands for the People’s Republic of China.

Professor Seo pointed out, “In 2021, major Korean food companies such as Samyang, CJ CheilJedang, Ottogi, and Daesang filed intellectual property lawsuits against Chinese companies and partially won. However, the compensation awarded by Chinese courts was minimal compared to the actual damage.”

He warned that the spread of counterfeit food worldwide could damage the positive image of K-Food, stating that “Chinese companies that are distributing these fakes globally should stop now.”