Some media companies proved the possibility of carrying 30 million won in a Vita 500 box by putting 50,000 won notes worth 30 million won into similar boxes. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 17 (Korea Bizwire) – An energy drink product from Kwangdong Pharmaceutical is gaining extraordinary popularity in Korea thanks to a bribe scandal in political circles.
After it was rumored that the late businessman Sung Wan-jong gave 30 million won in cash to Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo in a Vita 500 box, Koreans are showing renewed interest in the energy drink. One of Sung’s aides argued that Sung gave the money to Premier Lee, then a National Assembly candidate in a by-election held on April 24 in 2013, a few days before the election.
Reflecting the public’s interest, Korean Internet sites are full of parodies featuring Vita 500. Some media companies proved the possibility of carrying 30 million won in a Vita 500 box by putting 50,000 won notes worth 30 million won into similar boxes.
As interest in the product rises, the company’s stock price reached its highest level in 52 weeks.
However, whether the popularity will lead to sustained sales increases or not remains to be seen.
The company has definitely benefited from the continuous media coverage and Internet parodies, however it is maintaining a prudent stance.
A company official said, “As we are completely unrelated to the case, we have nothing to tell. Although people are very interested on our product, we have no further plan to promote the product.”
Vita500 is a caffeine and preservative-free energy drink containing vitamins and antioxidants. The beverage is specially designed to improve the absorption of essential vitamins, stimulate the immune system, enhance physical strength, promote more energy, and help the body regain vitality.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
