How Hallyu Stars Affect Red Ginseng's Popularity in Asian Countries

Since there are a lot of red ginseng product placements in Korean television dramas, red ginseng products have already become a big hit in China and other countries in Asia. One of the main reasons is because of the Hallyu stars, such as Song Joong Ki and Kim Woo Bin, who were seen drinking a red ginseng tonic produced by the Korea Ginseng Corporation (KGC) in their drama series.

In an article, the Korea Times reported that KGC's Hongsam Jeong Everytime, a tube-shaped, easy-to-carry product which has red ginseng tonic, has fueled its popularity among Hallyu fans in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other Asian nations after such product appeared on various South Korean entertainment programs.

Since then, the company has witnessed the sales of its red ginseng extract and other products soar in South Korea and overseas. Specifically, the KBS hit drama "Descendants of the Sun," which was aired simultaneously in South Korea and China in the early part of 2016, has made hundreds of thousands of Chinese viewers into instant consumers of Hongsam Jeong Everytime and other KGC products as well after the lead actor, Song Joong Ki, was shown consuming the ginseng tonic.

"Uncontrollably Fond," another KBS drama aired on KBS, sparked new interest in the product when its lead actor, Kim Woo Bin, was seen consuming the tonic multiple times.

A spokesman of the KGC stated, "The popular Korean TV dramas have raised interest in red ginseng and its health-boosting effects among Chinese consumers. In China, red ginseng is normally regarded as medicine, something that people take when they get sick. But the actors' casual consumption of the red ginseng extract has helped change that perception, which has bolstered our exports to the mainland and other Chinese-speaking countries."

The official also said that an increasing number of young Chinese people who are mostly Hallyu fans have a keen interest in Korea-made red ginseng products. The spokesman also said, "We will continue to promote our products in China and other Asian countries through Hallyu marketing."

Various tests and research studies prove that red ginseng has many remedial effects such as strengthening the immune system, stamina, and blood circulation. Saponin, a component of red ginseng, is also known for its invigorating properties.