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Paldo partners with BTS to launch new food products in U.S.

Published: 13 Apr. 2026, 17:53 Updated: 13 Apr. 2026, 19:42

KIM JI-YE
[email protected]

Products developed in collaboration with K-pop group BTS are seen in a photo provided by Paldo and carried by Yonhap News Agency. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

The food company Paldo said Monday it has partnered with BTS to launch a new line of food products in the United States next week as part of its global expansion strategy.

The products will be released under the brand name ARIH based on the archaic Korean word "ari," meaning "fine" or "beautiful." BTS participated in the development process from the initial planning stage, contributing to the brand name, flavor profiling and packaging design, the company said in a press release.

The letter "H" in the brand's English spelling represents its core values — harmony in everyday life, happiness and health, it said.

ARIH will introduce a new category, Modern Balance Food, offering three product lines designed for modern lifestyles, according to the company. It added the products aim to deliver "satisfaction, energy and recovery through food and beverages."

Paldo plans to introduce seven varieties of its Modern Noodle stir-fried ramyeon line at Walmart stores across the U.S. on April 24, as well as the retailer's online platform, followed by a release in Korea at the end of next month. Although a simultaneous launch in the United States and Korea was initially planned, the domestic release schedule was adjusted following discussions with local distributors.

"Paldo selected Walmart for the initial launch, citing the U.S. retailer's extensive online and offline distribution networks as a strategic platform to accelerate market penetration," a company representative said.

Separately, hy, formerly known as Korea Yakult, in which Paldo holds a 40.83 percent stake, has also partnered with BTS to launch seven postbiotic energy drinks and seven dualbiotic soda products in the U.S. market. Dualbiotics refers to products that combine prebiotics and probiotics.

Paldo is widely recognized for its noodle products, including Bibimmen, a cold, spicy and sweet brothless ramyeon, that is popular overseas as well. Its Jumbo Noodle, promoted by esports player Lee Sang-hyeok, also known as Faker, is highly popular in Korea, alongside its traditional Korean drink Rice Punch.

Updated, April 13, 2026: Added information about new category, release plans and Paldo's well-known products.

BY KIM JI-YE, YONHAP [[email protected]]