Korean Shin Ramyun Blackened by False Claims

Ramen maker Nongshim Co was fined 155 million won ($142,000) by S. Korea’s fair trade officials for exaggerating the nutritional value of its “Shin Ramyun Black”. The brand was launched to commemorate Nongshim’s 25th year in business and was advertised as “close to a perfect food”.

In fact, the ramen was found to be virtually identical to the company’s other ramen’s except that it was priced at 1,400 to 1,700 won ($1.28 – $1.59) instead of the 563 won ($0.52) price tag on its other ramens.

“This noodle, which is twice or nearly three times as expensive as others, used enticing comments such as ‘close to perfect food’ and ‘the most idealised and balanced noodle,’ but consumers said the only thing different from other noodles was the price,” said Lim Sung Chan, spokesman for the Fair Trade Commission.

Nongshim said it accepted the Fair Trade Commission’s action and that it would work to rebuild the firm’s image.