Pepero is amongst the well-received Korean snacks because of its addicting taste and adorable packaging. It is a set of long thin biscuits layered with different flavors and topped with a variety of nuts and cookies. It is so famous that one would find it at any supermarket in South Korea and even online. Here are some of the fun facts about these coated sticks.
As of 2017, Lotte Confectionery - a company in South Korea that produces pepero since 1983 - has manufactured different flavors of this biscuit, as well as two sizes: small and big Pepero. One of its variations is the "Double Dip Choco White Pepero," in which the sticks are dipped in a mixture of whipped cream and Kakao cream; it was released in 2000. Surprising info about this version is that unlike the other Pepero boxes that are rectangular-shaped, this Pepero is available in a square box.
Considering that Pepero is very well-known in South Korea, this snack has been the source of the fun of Koreans. There is what we call "Pepero Kiss Game" or simply "Pepero Game" wherein two persons would put one end of the biscuit into their mouth then take a bite until their lips come closer and closer. The objective is to leave as tiny of the pepero as possible while almost giving each other a kiss. When playing in groups, the pair which has the smallest remaining stick gains the victory.
"Pepero Game" is usually played by K-pop groups, both female and male troupes, on television shows, and K-pop fans find it worth watching since it is an exciting activity where their idols, either girl to girl or boy to boy, could plant kisses on one another.
Speaking of K-pop artists, boy group EXO had a collaboration with Lotte as the brand ambassadors for Pepero. In 2014, EXO-K first appeared in a 30-second commercial film for the coated biscuit sticks, along with Red Velvet. The company even released a limited edition Pepero boxes with the EXO members displayed on the cover. Because of this, Lotte's sales of Pepero had a massive increase of 84 percent.
Lastly, this famous snack is acknowledged each year on November 11 because the sticks look like the letter "I" or the number "1." When you view the shortened date: "11/11," it is similar to Pepero's appearance.
Do you know more fun facts about Pepero? If yes, leave a comment.
