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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang handed out banana milk and snacks to the public gathered outside a barbecue restaurant in the Hongdae district of Seoul, South Korea, on June 5. Photo : The Korea Herald . |
On June 5, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was spotted at Hyeongnim Jeoyo, a grilled pork belly restaurant in Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea. He had dinner there with Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, Koo Kwang-mo, chairman of LG Group, and Lee Hae-jin, founder and chairman of Naver, according to and Korea Times.
During the meal, he came out several times to speak with the press, explaining that his visit was to thank his South Korean partners after a successful year for Nvidia. Afterwards, billionaire Huang and other South Korean business leaders handed out banana milk and snacks to fans outside to watch the meeting.
According to Chosun few places have enjoyed such enduring popularity and success as South Korea for a drink as simple as banana milk. The story of banana milk began in the difficult context of post-war South Korea.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the country faced severe poverty and malnutrition. The government launched a campaign to encourage the consumption of milk in order to improve the health of the population, but fresh milk was poorly received due to its bland and unpopular taste.
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Korean banana milk, the national drink that has conquered the world. Photo: Binggrae. |
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In 1974, a dairy company found the solution. She mixed milk with banana flavoring, a rare tropical fruit, expensive and then imported in limited quantities. The banana was considered a luxury product, reserved for special occasions and wealthy families. Banana milk thus offered consumers a taste of luxury at an affordable price.
The Korean name makes it clear: it is “banana flavored milk”, and not milk made from real bananas. The use of flavorings helps control costs, achieves a nice yellow color and ensures consistent quality, while fresh bananas, once mixed with milk, often tend to discolor, become bland and have a thick consistency.
According to data from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, banana milk has sold more than 6 billion bottles domestically since its launch. Currently, domestic consumption averages 800,000 bottles per day, representing almost 20% of the manufacturer’s annual turnover. Banana milk accounts for about 80% of the flavored milk market share in South Korea, with annual sales exceeding 2 trillion won, including exports.
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The shelves at Incheon Airport (South Korea) are filled with banana milk drinks in December 2025. Photo: CU. |
According to the producer, the Hallyu wave – the spread of Korean culture throughout the world – is a key factor in the product’s international success. The image of banana milk frequently appears in TV series, movies, and K-pop music videos.
Praises from stars like Jungkook (BTS), U-Know Yunho (TVXQ), Taemin (SHINee) and actress/singer IU have piqued the curiosity of many international tourists, who consider it an iconic souvenir.
In addition, this product offers a unique flavor that is difficult to find elsewhere. Made up of up to 80% fresh milk, Korean banana milk has a sweet and creamy taste as well as a distinctive aroma. Although it doesn’t perfectly replicate the taste of a real banana, that “imaginary banana” sensation is what makes it so appealing to many consumers.
This perfume comes with a uniquely designed round bottle, inspired by traditional Korean ceramic moon lake vases. Its rounded shape, although less practical for transport, is ideal for children, easy to hold and limits the risk of overturning.
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Source : https://znews.vn/sua-chuoi-han-quoc-tren-tay-ceo-nvidia-sau-bua-nhau-nghin-ty-post1657531.html
