Japan, China Ride in Popularity of Korean Foods by Allegedly Producing Copycat Products

Korean food products are becoming even more popular around the world, and it was reported that the hot response to ramyeon, kimchi and other Korean food products has led to copycats in Japan and China.

The Korea Times reported that a growing number of Chinese and Japanese food companies are producing products that are unmistakably similar to favorite Korean foods. These food items are said to be total duplicates as they take advantage of the ever-growing popularity of Korean culture worldwide.

For instance, it was mentioned that earlier this year, Japan’s Nissin Foods launched a new variation of UFO Noodles. This cup noodle is said to have the word “Bookeum Myeon” in its packaging, which in Korean means stir-fried noodles. The whole package itself is also strikingly similar to Buldak Carbo, which is made by Korea’s Samyang Foods in 2018

Observers said that the use of look-a-like packaging for the noodle product is an attempt to boost sales. This is because many people are likely to get confused and might think they are the original Korean version, thus, they would buy.

This scenario of product imitation is said to be happening around China as well. In fact, even the local courts of law admit that some of the products being sold in their country infringed the intellectual property (IP) of Korean food manufacturers.

In March, the Korea Food Industry Association revealed that a Chinese court ordered two local firms to pay between KRW18 million or about $13,772 and KRW37 million to compensate four Korean companies that are known for their instant noodle products - Samyang, CJ Cheiljedang, Ottogi, and Daesang. The KFIA said the judge acknowledged that some Chinese products are copycats and infringed the trademarks and designs of the originals.

Meanwhile, Pulse News reported that prices of ramyeon or instant noodles in South Korea have hit the highest level since the start of the financial crisis worldwide. This development is said to be an indication of a significant increase in food prices amid inflation. Overall, prices of many food items have surged by as much as 10%.

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