Do you guys know what today is in Korea? It’s Pepero Day! It’s a special day where people exchange a snack called Pepero to express love and appreciation to each other. It can be to your co-workers, your family members, friends, and of course to your lover!
But when did this special day start, and what are some weird facts about this day?
Pepero Day (빼빼로 데이)
- Marketing Purposes?
There was a rumor that Pepero Day all started because of commercial and marketing use from the companies to increase the sales of Pepero snacks. This is somewhat true but not entirely true.
2. You get skinnier and skinnier if you eat this snack!
Back in 1983, middle school girls in Yeongnam were joking with each other about eating Pepero to get skinnier and skinnier. Pepe (빼빼) means skinny in Korea. This snack is called Pepero because it is really skinny looking. So girls who wanted to be skinny exchanged this snack for fun.
A smart marketer saw this as an opportunity to market this idea in a newspaper, and in fact, the rumors spread significantly fast and grew to where people believe if you eat Pepero on November (11) 11th, at 11:11, you really get skinny! LOL!!
Since then, Lotte Company has used these ridiculous rumors for marketing, and as it started, since then it has spread nationwide to today’s national Pepero Day.
3. According to the Consumer Report in Korea, up to 30% of the whole annual sales of Pepero snacks come from this day, November 11.
4. Pepero Day is reportedly the most profitable day for convenience stores all year. THAT IS INSANELY CRAZY!
5. According to a dating agency, almost 70% of people “do not think exchanging Pepero is necessary” on this day!! Yet, they still do LOLLL <33
What did you guys think about these weird but fun facts about Pepero Day? From time to time, I see couples exchange pepero in dramas, and I bet you guys probably wondered why. Since you now know what this day is really about, visit a Korean supermarket nearby and show your love and appreciation to your loved ones and watch your favorite sugary, romantic K-Dramas on KOCOWA 🙂
