Jennie and IU’s Favorite Korean Snack Just Got Its First Update in 50 Years

It’s been 50 years since Korea’s iconic snack Banana Kick first hit shelves, and now a surprise successor is here: introducing Melon Kick—a fresh, fruity twist backed by star power from BLACKPINK’s Jennie and IU.

Snack giant Nongshim officially announced the release of Melon Kick, the first new product in the "Kick" series since 1978, set to launch on April 21. The release comes amid unexpected hype after Jennie and IU both recently expressed their love for Banana Kick, sending fans and stock prices soaring.

🍈 What Is Melon Kick?

Melon Kick is made with Korean musk melon and milk, designed to replicate the fruit’s unique sweet flavor. It maintains the same crispy yet airy texture that made Banana Kick a national favorite for generations. Visually, it keeps the same curved puff shape, reinforcing the Kick brand identity.

According to Nongshim, the snack is targeted not just at local consumers, but at a global audience, with plans to export Banana Kick and Melon Kick to the U.S., Japan, and China beginning later this year.

🌟 Jennie and IU’s Unexpected Impact

Jennie’s unplanned plug of Banana Kick on the Jennifer Hudson Show on March 10 sparked a wave of international interest. Holding up the snack on air, she called it her “all-time favorite since childhood,” adding, “You can really taste the banana.” The mention wasn’t a pre-arranged promotion—but it led to a 264 billion KRW ($200M+) jump in Nongshim’s market value, with shares climbing four consecutive days.

Jennie also introduced other Korean snacks like Shrimp Crackers and Orion’s Goraebab, helping boost global recognition of Korean treats.

Shortly after, IU further added to the momentum. On March 24, a photo surfaced of IU and the child actress who plays her younger self in Netflix’s hit drama When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다), holding a custom oversized Banana Kick labeled “오애순킥” (Oh Ae-soon Kick)—a nod to IU’s character in the series. The snack was gifted by the child actress’s family, knowing IU’s real-life fondness for Banana Kick.

🌍 What's Next for the Kick Series?

Nongshim plans to continue expanding the Kick line with more fruit-inspired snacks throughout the year, aiming to turn the brand into a global dessert-style snack series. With rising overseas demand and viral celebrity support, the brand is preparing for wide-scale distribution in international markets.

“We created Melon Kick to celebrate the warmer season and offer a refreshing dessert-like snack. With the love we’ve received over the past 50 years—and the recent boost from top celebrities—we’re excited to take the Kick series global,” said a Nongshim spokesperson.