Have you heard? The new collab between NewJeans and the largest Indonesian brand of instant noodles, Indomie, has triggered a massive controversy among the Korean public for using the term “ramyeon.” But what exactly happened in this controversy, and what do the Koreans say about this new Indomie product controversy? Also, why do some people believe HYBE is behind this issue? Dive deeper into the controversy with us below.
NewJeans Featured in Ads from Indonesian Brand of Instant Noodles, Indomie
Kpop 4th generation girl group sensation NewJeans keeps on maintaining an impressive brand and image presence in both local and international entertainment industry. Even amidst its never-ending dispute with HYBE, NewJeans continues securing various exceptional collaborations with various international brands, including Indonesian instant noodles, Indomie.
The largest brand of instant noodles in Indonesia, Indomie, recently released a new product series featuring NewJeans. In promoting the new products, Indomie also introduced NewJeans as the global brand ambassador of Indonesian instant noodles.
“Hello, Indomie lovers!
Indomie.
We proudly announce that NewJeans is now the Global Brand Ambassador of Indomie.”
Annyeong Indomie lovers! 👋🏻
— Indomie (@Indomielovers) October 31, 2024
Kami bangga sekali memperkenalkan @NewJeans_ADOR sebagai Global Brand Ambassador dari Indomie!#OhMyGoodItsIndomie pic.twitter.com/jrqdXDfpJY
And yet, unfortunately, this promising partnership immediately triggered quite a commotion in the Korean media.
The “Korean Ramyeon” Controversy
So, what caused the controversy in the NewJeans and Indomie collaboration? Apparently, everything stems from the use of “Korean Ramyeon” to describe the latest instant noodles of Indomie.
In the latest product release, Indomie blatantly features the phrase “Korean Ramyeon” on the packaging. Not only that, the Indonesian brand of instant noodles uses the Korean-style “Ramyeon” rather than the Japanese “Ramen” for its English label.
A whistleblower recently filed a complaint through Korea’s e-government portal, Gukmin Sinmungo, which prompted Korea’s Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) to respond on November 11.
The whistleblower noted that Indomie’s “Korean Ramyeon” phrase could mislead local consumers into thinking it’s a Korean product.
However, it’s still uncertain if Indomie has actually registered the “Korean Ramyeon” trademark with Indonesia’s Intellectual Property Office.
Responding to this complaint, KIPO mentioned that taking action would require a deeper review. Not only that, but any enforcement must also align with Indonesian laws.
Therefore, KIPO decided to offer support programs like “K-brand Dispute Response Assistance” and consultations through their overseas Intellectual Property Centers.
In the end, KIPO has also expressed plans to discuss this issue with the Indonesian government in future meetings to try to find a solution.
Netizens’ Suspicions that HYBE is Behind Indomie x NewJeans “Korean Ramyeon” Controversy
On the other hand, after the Indomie “Korean Ramyeon” controversy emerged in Korean online communities, netizens began responding with various comments.
Some netizens joke that if people think “Korean Ramyeon” must come from Korea, then does it mean “Nagasaki Champon” ramen comes from Nagasaki? They poke fun at the idea that every name with a place in it must represent the origin. That is especially ironic when South Korea itself has just launched the Korean version of “Dubai Chocolate.”
- “?? Then, does the Nagasaki Champon ramen actually come from Nagasaki?”
- “It’s absurd. Even our own brands, like Dubai Chocolate and Hong Kong Banjeom use country names, and no one’s confused. As an industry person, shouldn’t you be even more aware of how ridiculous this is? Indomie is such a massive brand that nobody would ever confuse it.”
- “Let’s shut down every store selling Dubai Chocolate.”
- “Ghana Chocolate, Dubai Chocolate, Hong Kong Banjeom – they’re all countries’ names.”
Additionally, others believe that Indome is a massive brand of Indonesian instant noodles in Southeast Asia. It means that nobody would ever confuse the brand as Korean-made.
In the end, more netizens become suspicious that HYBE is behind the issue. That is particularly convincing, especially when the Indonesian instant noodles brand, Indomie, has featured NewJeans as its brand ambassador.
- “Are HYBE stans really so desperate?”
- “The problem is that HYBE does reverse-viral attacks every time NewJeans comes out with an ad. If the issue is the country name or flag, then they should file an objection with the company. It’s not even urgent news, but they slap on an ‘exclusive’ headline and write the article as if NewJeans is the problem.”
- “Oh, HYBE stans…”
- “OMG.. HYBE stans starting to nitpick again.”
- “HYBE stans have nothing left but negativity. They’re just determined to drag things down now.”
Finally, what about you? What are your thoughts about the latest controversy on NewJeans x Indomie “Korean Ramyeon” collab? Please share your opinion with us below.
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Source: Sports Seoul, TheQoo.
