Ramen Piki / Design By Kpopmap
Korean ramen has now gained global fame. To provide more specialized and intriguing stories about Korean ramen, we have brought in Korea’s only ramen expert critic, Piki. These articles are all written by Piki and offer various insights about ramen. We plan to release this series daily over the course of two weeks, so please stay tuned!
Let’s get into it!
Hello everyone,
I am Ji YoungJun, a content creator specializing in ramen culture, also known as the Ramen Conqueror Piki.
Today, I am thrilled to share the fascinating story of Kang BuJa, a veteran actress beloved by the entire nation for her numerous works. Did you know that Kang BuJa has a special connection with ramen? She has appeared in countless ramen commercials, introducing a variety of ramen flavors. Let’s delve into her unique relationship with ramen.
Ramen Piki Blog
Ramen Piki Blog
Kang BuJa’s Ramen Journey Began with Walsunma Ramen in the 1960s
Kang BuJa first became associated with ramen in 1968 when she appeared in a commercial for Walsunma Ramen, which was launched by Lotte Industrial, the predecessor of Nongshim. In this commercial, themed around New Year’s greetings, Kang BuJa began her longstanding relationship with ramen. In 1981, she was selected as the exclusive model for Nongshim and continued to endorse their ramen products for over a decade until 1994.
Kang BuJa once mentioned that she was chosen as a ramen model not for her looks but because she made eating ramen and drinking the soup look incredibly appetizing. As the exclusive model, she was part of Nongshim’s golden era in the 1980s.
Ramen Piki Blog
Ramen Piki Blog
Kang BuJa’s Iconic Ads in the 1980s
Kang BuJa starred in numerous commercials for Nongshim’s best-selling ramen products, including Ansungtangmyun, Shin Ramyun, Chapagetti, Yukgaejang Bowl Noodle, and Black Cow Ramen, among many others.
One of the most memorable ads was for “Ansungtangmyun,” where her unique laughter and delightful way of introducing the ramen earned her the nickname “Ansung-dak.” This nickname stuck with her, showcasing the significant impact she had on the brand.
Here are some of the key ramen advertisements of Kang BuJa, who played a big role in the 1980s when she was in the heyday of Nongshim ramen:
1. Nongshim Shin Ramyun
2. Nongshim Yukgaejang Bowl Noodle and Kimchi Bowl Noodle
3. Nongshim Chapagetti
4. Nongshim Black Cow Ramen
5. Nongshim Sari Gomtang Ramen
6. Nongshim Nutari Ramen
Throughout the 1980s, Kang BuJa appeared in many ramen ads, but in the early 1990s, she entered politics by joining the Unification National Party and became a member of the National Assembly.
Ramen Piki Blog
Ramen Piki Blog
Kang BuJa, a politician of the National Unification Party
As Kang BuJa began her political career, Nongshim, wary of getting entangled with a politician, ended their exclusive contract with her in 1994. However, politics did not suit her well, and she eventually retired from her political career to return to acting.
Even after her contract with Nongshim ended, Kang BuJa remained loyal to the brand, openly stating that she only enjoys Nongshim ramen. She continues to enjoy ramen occasionally to this day.
Did you know about the special bond between the legendary actress Kang BuJa and ramen?
At 83 years old, Kang BuJa remains active and healthy. We wish her many more years of good health and continued success.
Thank you for reading until the end. I will continue to bring you more captivating stories about ramen culture.
