South Korea’s iconic snack Banana Kick, a puffed corn treat with a sweet banana flavor, has taken the world by storm in 2025, largely thanks to BLACKPINK’s Jennie. According to a NewsWatch Korea article, the snack’s global popularity has skyrocketed, with sell-outs and soaring export numbers driven by Jennie’s endorsement. Here’s a breakdown of how Banana Kick became a viral sensation, why it’s a big deal, and what’s fueling its overseas craze.

Jennie’s “Jennie Effect” Ignites Demand

Jennie, a global K-pop superstar, casually mentioned Banana Kick as one of her favorite snacks, and that was all it took to unleash a frenzy. The “Jennie Effect”—a phenomenon where her endorsements turn products into instant hits—sent fans worldwide scrambling to try the snack. X posts from March 2025 show fans lamenting, “Should’ve bought Banana Kick when Jennie said it was her fave,” as convenience stores in Korea reported repeated sell-outs and restocks. By April, the buzz had gone global, with Nongshim, the snack’s manufacturer, reporting a 69% surge in U.S. exports compared to the previous year. Posts on X highlight fans in the U.S., Japan, and beyond hunting for Banana Kick in Korean marts or online platforms like Coupang and Amazon.

Why Banana Kick?

Banana Kick, priced at around ₩1,500 (~$1) per 50g bag, is a nostalgic Korean staple known for its light, crispy texture and addictive banana flavor. Its quirky mascot, a banana with shades, and compact packaging make it a perfect Instagramable snack. The article notes that its appeal lies in its simplicity and universal taste, which resonates across cultures. Jennie’s endorsement amplified its cool factor, turning it from a local favorite into a global status symbol. The snack’s scarcity—due to limited production and high demand—has only fueled the hype, with X users sharing photos of empty shelves and calling it “the 2025 snack flex.”

The Global Craze and Nongshim’s Boom

The NewsWatch article emphasizes that Banana Kick’s success has boosted Nongshim’s market value, with the company’s stock rising by ₩264 billion in a single week in March 2025. The snack’s global trend status was cemented when it trended on X alongside Jennie’s name, with fans posting unboxing videos and taste-test reviews. The article also mentions Melon Kick, a new variant, which sold out alongside Banana Kick, further proving Nongshim’s knack for capitalizing on trends. For foreigners in Korea, snagging a bag at CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven is a cultural must, though you might need to act fast or check Naver Map for restocked stores.

Why the Frenzy Happened

The sell-out phenomenon is a textbook case of K-pop’s cultural power. Jennie’s influence, combined with Korea’s social media speed (think KakaoTalk fan groups and X hashtags), created a perfect storm. The snack’s affordability and cute aesthetic made it accessible to fans worldwide, while its scarcity drove FOMO. The article suggests that Nongshim’s savvy marketing, including limited releases, kept the hype alive. For those in Korea, joining the Banana Kick craze is as simple as hitting a convenience store or ordering via Baemin—if you can beat the rush. This is K-pop and Korean snack culture at its peak: Jennie says “Banana Kick,” and the world listens.

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