Rice crackers featuring 'Dokdo illustration' blocked from export to Japan, sold out by Korean netizens

A rice snack that was blocked from export to Japan due to the 'Dokdo' image drawn on its packaging has sold out thanks to domestic consumers' support.

On the 22nd, the website of the baby rice snack manufacturer 'Olbareum' posted a notice stating, "Due to a surge in orders, we have switched to a sold-out status." The company sells rice snack products through its online homepage, and currently, most products on the site are marked as sold out.

The company stated, "Order processing is taking longer than expected," and asked for understanding that "product delivery may take more than a week."

Kim Jeong-gwang, CEO of Ollareum, personally expressed gratitude through the official Instagram account. [Image source=Instagram capture]

원본보기 아이콘

Olbareum is reported to have included a map of the Korean Peninsula with Dokdo drawn on the back of its product packaging since 2021. Next to the image, the phrase "Dokdo is Korean territory" was also written.

However, this image became an obstacle to business expansion. In December last year, while discussing exports with a Japanese snack company, the client demanded, "Remove the Dokdo image to finalize the deal." Olbareum ultimately refused the Japanese buyer's request.

This story spread across various online communities and social networking services (SNS) around August 15th, Liberation Day, and the snack gained nicknames such as 'Dokdo Snack' and 'Dokdo Guardian Snack,' leading to an explosive surge in orders from domestic netizens.

The Olbareum rice snack product, which earned the nickname "Dokdo Snack" by featuring a photo of the Korean Peninsula including Dokdo on its packaging.
[Image source=Online community archive]

원본보기 아이콘

Kim Jeong-gwang, CEO of Olbareum, recently expressed through the official Instagram account, "We sincerely thank you for calling our product the 'Dokdo Rice Snack' and for your warm support and encouragement." He added, "Due to the unexpected sudden surge in orders, all employees are fully dedicated to shipping, but delivery delays are unavoidable."

CEO Kim said, "Many people call me a 'patriot' and a 'hero,' but I wonder if I deserve such support," and added, "Just as I grew up singing the song 'Dokdo is our land,' this started from the hope that our children would naturally know that Dokdo is our land."

It is also reported that Jangseong County in Jeollanam-do, where Olbareum’s factory is located, has promised support. On the 20th, Kim Han-jong, the mayor of Jangseong County, visited the factory and said, "I am proud that a righteous company, true to its name, is in Jangseong," and "We will do our best to support in any way the county can."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.