Seoul: Samyang Foods Inc., the renowned producer of the globally acclaimed Buldak spicy ramyeon, has announced the introduction of a new ramyeon product crafted with beef tallow, marking a return to this ingredient after a 36-year gap. This initiative forms part of the company's growth strategy, which emphasizes its flagship spicy noodle line.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the new premium product, named "Samyang 1963," is presented as a modern reinterpretation of Samyang's original ramyeon that was first launched over six decades ago. The reintroduction of beef tallow is particularly notable given the historical context of the "tallow incident" in 1989, when unfounded rumors about the use of industrial-grade beef tallow severely impacted Samyang's market standing, despite a subsequent confirmation from the health ministry that the ingredient was safe for consumption.
In response to the controversy, Samyang shifted to using palm oil in its ramyeon products for the past several decades. However, Kim Jung-soo, Vice Chairman of Samyang Foods, emphasized during a product launch event that beef tallow was integral to the authentic flavor of Samyang Ramen. He described "Samyang 1963" not as a mere revival of the past but as a stepping stone towards future innovation.
Kim also highlighted Samyang's evolution into a global food company that promotes Korean culinary culture worldwide, asserting that the launch of "Samyang 1963" signifies the beginning of a new chapter of innovation for the company. Initially, the product will be targeted at the domestic market, with plans to export after developing region-specific versions.
Samyang Foods reported a 34 percent increase in net profit for the January-June period, totaling 183.03 billion won (US$132 million), driven by robust overseas sales. Since its debut in 2012, Buldak ramyeon has surpassed 8 billion units in cumulative sales, generating over 4 trillion won in revenue, with its extreme spiciness gaining international fame through a viral food-eating challenge in 2014.