[theqoo] [EXCLUSIVE] INDOMIE, SELECTED NEWJEANS AS MODELS FOR “KOREAN RAMYEON”, FACES BOTH POPULARITY AND CONTROVERSY… KIPO “POTENTIAL FOR LOCAL CONFUSION”

Indomie, the largest noodle manufacturer in Indonesia, has recently launched its “Korean Ramyeon” series, sparking both popularity and controversy over trademark issues. On October 31st, Indomie selected global sensation NewJeans as its brand ambassador and released three types of “Korean Ramyeon.”

The product packaging prominently features the phrase “Korean Ramyeon” in Korean, and uses the Korean-style pronunciation “Ramyeon” rather than the Japanese “Ramen” in its English spelling. A promotional video featuring NewJeans garnered nearly one million views within 24 hours of its release, creating a buzz. In the advertisement, NewJeans members use Korean phrases like “It’s so delicious, Indomie,” which attracted significant attention from local consumers.

Singapore’s CNA reported that Indomie’s strategy is aimed not only at the Indonesian market but also at expanding globally, with the company already exporting its flagship product “Mi Goreng” to over 100 countries worldwide.

However, trademark controversy has arisen surrounding this product. According to a whistleblower who submitted a complaint through the Korean e-government portal (Gukmin Sinmungo), Korea’s Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) responded on November 11th, stating that “the ‘Korean Ramyeon’ being sold in the local market could mislead or confuse consumers into thinking the product is of Korean origin.” Nonetheless, it is currently unclear whether Indomie has applied for or registered the trademark with Indonesia’s Intellectual Property Office.

KIPO noted that further specialized review would be needed to determine the possibility of sanctions, and any enforcement would have to be based on Indonesian laws. 

To address such issues, KIPO has been offering various support measures like “K-brand Dispute Response Assistance” and consultations through its overseas Intellectual Property Centers to protect the intellectual property rights of Korean businesses. They also expressed intentions to discuss the matter with the Indonesian government in future meetings to seek a resolution.

This case highlights the growing importance of protecting Korean food brands overseas, especially as K-food continues to rise in global prominence.

1. HYBoong-ah, can you stop making a fuss already?

2. HYBoong, I wish for your downfall

3. HYBoongies are using all their personal expenses doing this

4. Low-HYBE again x 1000000. They are making a fuss

5. We don’t even know if that company has actually filed a trademark for “Korean Ramyeon,” but the tone makes it sound like Indomie filed and a KIPO examiner rejected itㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ It seems like KIPO just gave a general statement about what they can do because something was submitted to the public complaint system. It’s funny how they’re acting like this when the ad hasn’t even been out that long…

6. HYBoongies are back at it again

7. Then what about London Bagel (T/n: Korean bagel shop)??? This is so ridiculously dumbfounding. But seems like everyone is talking about it tooㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

8. Then what about those restaurants selling Indonesian curries in our country? Ugh, you f*ckersㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

9. HYBoongies are so pathetic

10. Thanks to HYBoongies, I learned that NewJeans got a new commercial