Transform Your Spring: Discover the Sweet Taste of Back Beer’s New ‘Honey Beer’!

Theborn Korea’s beer concept brand Baeks Beer announced on April 3 that it is launching "Honey Beer: PINK LABEL" in time for cherry‑blossom season.

Honey Beer puts a springtime spin on Baeks Beer’s signature slushy draft, "Bingmaek," layering in sweet notes and floral aromas for a pink, refreshing pour.

Baeks Beer is also introducing a new snack designed to pair with beer: whole‑grilled cuttlefish.

Charcoal‑grilled whole, the cuttlefish brings a toasty, slightly nutty flavor and a chewy bite that matches beer perfectly. It’s served with yuzu chogochujang and yuzu‑onion sauce so guests can mix and match to their taste, the brand said.

A Baeks Beer spokesperson added, “We’ll keep rolling out diverse drinks and thoughtfully paired snacks so guests can enjoy everything that makes Baeks Beer special.”

Genesis BBQ Group said on April 3 that it is participating in the IFS Franchise Startup Expo, running through April 4 in Halls C and D at COEX in Samseong‑dong, Seoul. The company will present brand‑specific startup concepts and operational guidance to prospective franchisees.

Organized by the Korea Franchise Association, the IFS Franchise Startup Expo is the country’s largest startup trade show, where restaurant and service brands share franchise information and market trends.

Drawing on nearly 30 years of brand management experience and operations in 57 countries, Genesis BBQ Group plans to showcase a stable franchise model. On site, experts will offer one‑on‑one consultations covering trade‑area analysis, store operations, and profit‑structure planning.

The group will feature family brands including BBQ, Dakikneun Maeul, UkuyA, OlTteok, and Torimero, so visitors can compare concepts and operational models across the portfolio.

In the Dongsuh Foods‑sponsored 27th Maxim Coffee Cup, 9‑dan Byeon Sang‑il defeated 9‑dan Park Jung‑hwan to claim the championship.

Dongsuh Foods said on April 3 that Byeon — who had never won the Maxim Coffee Cup before — faced Park, a four‑time champion, in a fiercely contested final.

In the first game on March 24, Byeon beat Park by resignation after 159 moves. In the second game on March 31 at Oak Valley, the match stretched to 294 moves and Byeon lost, leveling the series.

In the decisive final game on April 2 at the Korea Baduk Association’s BadukTV studio in Seongdong‑gu, Seoul, Byeon secured a resignation win after 215 moves to clinch the title.

The victory is Byeon’s first Maxim Coffee Cup crown after eight attempts since his debut in the event in 2019.

Byeon will receive the winner’s trophy and 70,000,000 KRW (about $52,500), while runner‑up Park will receive a trophy and 30,000,000 KRW (about $22,500). The awards ceremony is scheduled for the 20th at the Westin Josun Seoul in Jung‑gu.

Byeon said, “I’m thrilled to reach the final and win at the Maxim Coffee Cup, where the top players compete. I’ll keep working to show even better play.”