Nissin Foods is facing growing criticism for imitating Samyang Foods’ Korean Buldak Ramen instant noodle product, according to industry officials.
The Japanese global food company not only copied the taste and packaging design of Buldak Ramen with its Hot & Spicy Fire Wok, introduced last September but also has the Korean word "bokkeummyeon" on its packaging, which means fried noodle in Korean.
Nissin’s products cost only one-fifth of Samyang’s.
A Korean food form official noted that some consumers are already confused about which is the original and it looks like Nissin just wants to ride on the popularity of Korean instant noodle products.
Samyang Foods backtracked on taking legal action as it is difficult to hold the Japanese firm legally accountable as its product is named differently.
Instead, Samyang Foods will carry out marketing activities in Japan emphasizing the originality of their product.
The popularity of Korean instant noodles is resulting in all-time-high sales records in overseas markets.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation and the Korea Customs Service, exports of Korean instant noodles for this year were tentatively tallied at $208 million (274.6 billion won) as of March. It is the first time that Korean instant noodle product exports exceeded $200 million in the first quarter of a year.


Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Launches Task Forces to Overhaul U.S. Monetary Policy Framework
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 3,811 as Government Seeks Sanctions Relief
Oppenheimer Sees CNH Industrial as Top 2026 Agriculture Stock Pick on Dealer Consolidation Strategy
Japan Producer Inflation Hits 7.1% in June, Fueling BOJ Rate Hike Expectations
Oil Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears
Gold Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Conflict, Fed Rate Hike Bets Pressure Precious Metals
BHP Faces Port Hedland Strike Threat as Iron Ore Export Risks Grow
Dollar Slips After Fed Minutes as Iran Tensions, Inflation Risks Keep Markets Cautious
The American mass exodus to Canada amid Trump 2.0 has yet to materialize
Zhipu AI Raises HK$31.37 Billion in Discounted Share Sale to Accelerate AI Growth
Deutsche Bank Sees Global Capital Shifts Reshaping Long-Term U.S. Dollar Outlook
Gold Price Rebounds as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Minutes Keep Markets on Edge
The Beauty Beneath the Expressway: A Journey from Self to Service
Why financial hardship is more likely if you’re disabled or sick
AI is driving down the price of knowledge – universities have to rethink what they offer
Levi Strauss Raises 2026 Outlook After Q2 Earnings Beat, Shares Drop Despite Strong Results
Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content 



