Ottogi’s “Jin Milmyeon” Sells 1.3 Million Units 10 Days After Launch
![Ottogi’s Jin Milmyeon staged shot [Photo=Ottogi]](https://contents-cdn.viewus.co.kr/image/2026/03/CP-2023-0070/image-155cb3ec-3c1a-41e3-a3a7-331be3604e56.jpeg)
Ottogi said on March 26 that its new summer release, Jin Milmyeon, surpassed cumulative sales of 1.3 million units within 10 days of launch.
That averages roughly 130,000 units a day and more than 5,400 an hour, signaling fast demand from day one. As the “local gourmet” trend—bringing famous regional restaurant flavors into the home—continues to grow, many consumers credit Ottogi’s faithful recreation of Busan’s milmyeon for the product’s success. After selling out during a Coupang pre-launch, word spread across the Yeongnam region that the product captures “Busan’s local taste,” which further boosted interest.
Jin Milmyeon is defined by its chewy, springy noodles. Ottogi blended wheat flour with sweet potato and potato starch to create a soft yet resilient bite, and designed the product to pair well with both a spicy mixed sauce and a rich broth. They also added a “signature bone-and-brisket broth powder” to deepen the savory profile. The powdered broth dissolves quickly even in cold water, making preparation convenient.
The product’s dual-style concept is another selling point: one package lets you enjoy both the spicy bibim milmyeon—served with warm broth—and the chilled mul milmyeon, where cold broth is poured over the noodles, so you can choose by mood.
Starting today, Ottogi plans to expand offline distribution nationwide, focusing on major supermarkets and discount stores to move demand beyond its online and regional concentration.
An Ottogi representative said, “Selling 1.3 million units in 10 days shows that Jin Milmyeon tapped into consumer demand for local flavors. We’ll strengthen marketing and expand offline availability so more customers can experience Busan’s authentic taste.”
McDonald’s “Grill Master Contest” Wraps Up; Busan Oncheon SK DT Store Wins
![Participants in the 2026 Grill Master Contest pose for a commemorative photo. [Photo=McDonald’s Korea]](https://contents-cdn.viewus.co.kr/image/2026/03/CP-2023-0070/image-1fbce52d-169b-466a-9713-72e0e5608655.jpeg)
McDonald’s Korea announced on March 26 that it concluded the 2026 Grill Master Contest.
The Grill Master Contest is a nationwide in-house competition that selects the “Grill Master” who delivers the best taste and quality to customers. Seven teams advanced to the final after regional rounds, and the final took place on March 25 at the McDonald’s Cheonho Rodeo location in Gangdong‑gu, Seoul.
Competitors prepared signature items—such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and McSpicy Shanghai Burger—and judges evaluated whether they met the global “Gold Standard” cooking criteria. Assessment covered taste, temperature, appearance, and texture, plus hygiene compliance, teamwork, and execution.
After fierce competition, the Busan Oncheon SK DT store took first place. The winning team received prize money and a trophy, and all participating teams were given commemorative gifts.
The Grill Master title is awarded to store team members who master every step of burger production, from cooking patties to toasting buns and packaging. About 4,200 people nationwide currently hold the title and play a central role in quality control.
A McDonald’s official said, “This contest confirmed the importance of practicing quality standards at store level and highlighted the value of teamwork. We will continue working to deliver consistent taste and quality.”
Ildong Hudis’ “Hi‑Mune Caremate” Appears on MBN’s “Unknown Legend”
![Ildong Hudis’ “Hi‑Mune Caremate” featured on MBN’s “Unknown Legend.” [Photo=Ildong Hudis]](https://contents-cdn.viewus.co.kr/image/2026/03/CP-2023-0070/image-3087f4fd-da5f-479d-be1b-89ca5a3a9cc5.jpeg)
Ildong Hudis said on March 26 that its premium care food Hi‑Mune Caremate appeared on the MBN variety show “Unknown Legend—Trot Office Workers’ Hierarchy Wars” (hereafter “Unknown Legend”).
The episode that aired on March 18 showed cast members consuming Hi‑Mune Caremate during long filming to replenish nutrients. Main MC Jang Min‑ho and other cast members commented, “I like the savory taste,” and “It’s an easy way to get nutrition.”
Hi‑Mune Caremate is a medical food certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. It’s formulated as a balanced nutritional meal using animal and plant proteins in a 6:4 ratio, including goat milk protein. Carbohydrates, protein, and fat are balanced, and the formula includes 25 minerals plus omega‑3s to boost nutrition.
Ildong Hudis provided production support for all episodes of “Unknown Legend.”
An Ildong Hudis representative said, “Hi‑Mune Caremate lets people conveniently consume a variety of nutrients in a single pack. We will continue expanding consumer touchpoints.”
Ashley Queens Kicks Off Spring “Tomato & Basil” Season with 14 New Dishes
![From left: Jjapjjal‑i tomato, Tomato Carnitas Taco [Photo=Eland Eats]](https://contents-cdn.viewus.co.kr/image/2026/03/CP-2023-0070/image-5ddfde04-ea9d-4540-b8d3-63bb4e2adc24.png)
Eland Eats said Ashley Queens will roll out its spring theme menu, “TOMATO, I LOVE EAT!,” starting March 26 at about 110 locations nationwide.
The season was designed to reflect the “slow‑aging” trend and the online “tomato core” aesthetic. Centered on lycopene‑rich tomatoes, the menu targets consumers who prefer light, health‑forward meals.
Ashley Queens created 14 tomato‑focused dishes for the season. Mains include Tomato Carnitas Taco, Basil Salsa Verde Pork, Roasted Chicken Cacciatore, Spanish Seafood Tomato Paella, and Classic Neapolitan Pasta. Lighter options range from Omija Tomato Hwachae (tomato fruit punch) to Niçoise‑style Tomato Salad. The lineup also features hands‑on items like “DIY Tomato Malatang” and “DIY Tomato Sherbet Bingsu.”
The chain will offer unlimited servings of particularly sweet “Jjapjjal‑i” tomatoes to spotlight seasonal produce. It also pairs basil and other herbs across the menu to enhance both seasonal appeal and flavor.
Alongside the seasonal dishes, Ashley Queens expanded its a la carte steak offerings with a new Tomato Salsa Bacon Steak—served with tomato salsa and maple bacon—to appeal to guests who want both buffet and single‑dish options.
The company will also run a social media event called the “Hip Tomato Show‑Off Contest.” Customers who post tomato‑related content on Instagram can win Ashley cash, meal vouchers, and season‑limited merchandise through a random drawing.
An Eland Eats representative said, “We designed this season to reflect both health and current trends, and we aim to enhance customer experience through a variety of tomato dishes.”
