"Is Jang Dongmin About to Strike It Rich?"... 'One-Touch Label' Already Patented in Nine Countries

"Currently Collaborating with a German Machinery Development Company"

Comedian Jang Dongmin announced that he has patented a vertical eco-friendly one-touch label in nine countries around the world.

Comedian Jang Dongmin. Poster of Pig's Game

On the September 11 broadcast of MBC's "Save Me! Holmes," Jang Dongmin took out a beverage bottle he had patented and said, "The rest of the world uses horizontal labels, but I developed a vertical label."

Comedian Yang Sehyung, who appeared on the same show, responded, "That's a great idea. If the world adopts this idea, doesn't that mean you hold the patent?"

Jang Dongmin stated that after securing overseas patents, he is currently collaborating with foreign companies. He said, "I've already patented it in nine countries. Overseas patents are more expensive," and added, "I'm currently working with a German machinery development company." He further mentioned, "We expect to introduce the product to consumers around the end of this year."

Jang Dongmin also explained how to file for a patent. He said, "You need to submit an application to the Korean Intellectual Property Office and register it. Of course, there are fees," explaining, "In Korea, the application fee is 46,000 won, the examination request fee is 143,000 won, and after registration, you need to pay 45,000 won annually for three years."

Comedian Jang Dongmin is demonstrating the 'Vertical One-Touch Label Separation' technology. YouTube channel Pureunhaneul

Official Patent Registration in 2022... Financial Business Agreement with Kwangdong Pharmaceutical and Others

Jang Dongmin filed for a one-touch label patent in 2021 and completed the official registration the following year. Unlike conventional horizontal labels on PET bottles, his invention uses a vertical label that automatically separates when the bottle cap is twisted. This design reduces the hassle of removing the label separately, making it easier for consumers to sort and recycle.

In 2023, Jang Dongmin founded the eco-friendly startup Pureunhaneul and received the President's Award (Excellence Award) from the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute at the "Environmental Startup Competition" hosted by the Ministry of Environment, recognizing both the technological innovation and public value of his work. Last April, Pureunhaneul signed a three-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kwangdong Pharmaceutical and Samyang Packaging for the development and production of PET bottle labels, marking the start of commercializing the technology.