Konjac

This image is a scene from Netflix’s new Korean original series, ‘The Glory,” provided by Netflix.

SEOUL, April 17 (Korea Bizwire) – In the hit Netflix series “The Glory,” actress Song Hye-kyo takes on the role of Moon Dong-eun, a woman seeking revenge.

To accurately portray the character, Song underwent significant weight loss, achieved through her dietary choice of konjac rice.

Speaking in an interview, Song revealed, “As the filming period became longer due to the coronavirus, I was eating konjac rice more and more.”

The public’s interest in the diets of celebrities has led to a surge in popularity for konjac, thanks to its reputed effectiveness in weight management and skin moisturization.

Major food companies are capitalizing on this trend by introducing new konjac-based products.

CJ CheilJedang Corp., for example, has reported a 30 percent increase in average monthly sales of its two konjac rice products — brown rice oat konjac rice and black rice oat konjac rice — since launching them in September last year.

Konjac, a root vegetable, is composed of over 90 percent water and dietary fiber, making it a low-calorie option at just 5 kilocalories per 100 grams.

Its water-absorbing property also helps to create a feeling of fullness, while its high fiber content promotes healthy bowel movements.

This photo provided by CJ CheilJedang Corp. shows the food giant’s konjac rice products.

In October last year, Ottogi Co. released three types of konjac noodles, including kimchi rolls, bibimbap noodles, and katsu udon. Sales of these products rose by 84.4 percent in the first three months of 2023 compared to the previous quarter.

“Consumer demand for low-calorie products is increasing due to the wellness trend,” an Ottogi official stated. “We are constantly developing new products using various ingredients such as konjac.”

Pulmuone Co. offers Light Noodle Konjac Noodles, which can be used in a variety of dishes. Sales of this product grew by 56.3 percent in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year.

In response to its popularity, Pulmuone is set to launch a new snack product featuring Light Noodle Konjac Noodles in May.

Nutrition experts have highlighted konjac’s large amount of “glucosyl ceramide,” which supplies “ceramide” to the skin, increasing flexibility and moisturization.

Although this ingredient is also found in rice and wheat, it is present in higher quantities in konjac.

Ashley Song ([email protected])