Samyang Foods Elevates Kim Jung-soo to Chairperson, Driving Global Expansion and Buldak Brand Success
Samyang Foods, a leading Korean instant noodle maker, announced Friday the strategic promotion of Vice Chairperson Kim Jung-soo to the esteemed position of Chairperson. This pivotal appointment, effective June 1, is set to reinforce the company’s leadership and accelerate its ambitious global expansion strategy, prominently featuring its immensely popular Buldak brand.
The company’s Board of Directors officially approved Ms. Kim’s promotion on Tuesday, with her new role becoming effective on June 1. This significant move comes approximately five years after her initial promotion to Vice Chairperson in late 2021.
Under her dynamic leadership as Vice Chairperson, Samyang Foods witnessed phenomenal growth, with annual revenue nearly quadrupling. The company’s revenue surged from 642 billion won ($428 million) in 2021 to an impressive 2.35 trillion won in 2025, a testament to her strategic vision.
This explosive financial trajectory reflects Samyang Foods’ successful transformation from a primarily domestic noodle producer into a formidable global food giant. The brand’s signature spicy noodle products, particularly the Buldak series, have garnered immense international demand, fueling this remarkable expansion.
Today, overseas sales represent approximately 80 percent of Samyang Foods’ total revenue, underscoring its profound international market penetration. Furthermore, Samyang Foods is responsible for roughly 60 percent of Korea’s total instant noodle exports, solidifying its position as a key player in the global food trade.
This rising global profile and market recognition culminated in Samyang Foods’ inclusion in the prestigious Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) index in May 2025, further enhancing its appeal to international investors.
As the architect behind the Buldak phenomenon, Ms. Kim’s promotion is anticipated to significantly accelerate the company’s global business management initiatives. Samyang Foods plans to further expand its regional presence, actively exploring options to establish additional liaison offices worldwide to cater to growing international markets.
A Samyang Foods official stated, “Beginning in June, we will dedicate company-wide efforts to further solidify our global business capabilities and establish a robust foundation for sustainable growth under the visionary leadership of Chairperson Kim Jung-soo.”
hwkan
