Not only are Koreans obsessed about coffee, having over 100,000 stores across the country with Starbucks becoming the most popular chain, but caffeinated candy is also advertised in K-dramas! The most popular brand? Kopiko! What is it and why is it advertised in almost every K-drama?
What is Kopiko?
Kopiko is actually named after the kōpiko coffee bean native to Hawaii! It is an Indonesian brand of coffee candies and is available in over 80 countries! The product contains extract from real coffee beans and comes in two flavors: original coffee and cappuccino.
Kopiko in K-dramas!
Virtually in most K-dramas today, you'll find a scene where the main character needs a "lift-me-up" and either someone around them will offer them a Kopiko or they'll reach into their pocket and pop a Kopiko in their mouth. Then they'll say something along the lines of "Oh yeah! I feel so energized!" A not-so-subtle advertisement has become the trend in mainstream media and we've all become numb to it!
Why is it so popular?
Need a cheap pick-me-up? Why not pop a Kopiko into your mouth? With the average pack of around KRW 990 (USD 0.75) with 8 candies, no wonder so many Koreans choose it! It's also very slim and easy to put in your pocket or purse! Not to mention, it tastes great! Here's a scene from Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha!
Have you tried Kopiko yet? Let us know what other products you have seen in popular K-dramas lately in the comments below!