Image: A customer selecting pouch drinks at the GS25 special corner in a Don Quijote store
GS Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shuhei Okubo) has officially launched 20 popular private brand (PB) products from Korea’s largest convenience store chain, GS25, under the 'youus (youus)' brand at Don Quijote stores nationwide (excluding some locations) starting July 2026.
In recent years, interest in Korean culture and Korean cuisine has surged in Japan, expanding consumer demand for trending products from Korea. Meanwhile, in Korea, convenience stores serve not only as retail outlets but also as key trend incubators where new and viral products first gain popularity.
Against this market backdrop, GS Japan has partnered with GS Retail and Pan Pacific International Holdings Co., Ltd. to launch a curated selection of best-selling GS25 products in Japan under the concept of 'bringing Korea’s hottest-selling items directly to Japan.'
Launch Background and Overview
The 'Omorikimchi Kimchi Stew Ramen,' launched earlier this year, received overwhelming popularity at Don Quijote, prompting a significant expansion of the product lineup. This time, a total of 20 items—including cup noodles, snacks, and pouch drinks—are being introduced, with a dedicated 'GS25' corner set up in Don Quijote stores to recreate the in-store experience of GS25.
Highlighted Products
The 'Omorikimchi' Series – A Korean Best-Seller
The 'Omorikimchi Kimchi Stew Ramen,' which has consistently ranked as the top-selling cup noodle in the GS25 category for years, has sold over 35 million units cumulatively in Korea.
【Secret to Deliciousness】
The key lies in including a retort pack of three-year-aged kimchi, delivering a deep, complex sourness and rich umami flavor.
【Enhanced Flavor with Microwave Heating】
This product line is microwave-compatible. Heating in a microwave increases the soup’s viscosity, allowing it to coat the noodles thoroughly and creating a chewy, freshly-boiled texture similar to authentic Korean stew.
Image: GS25’s official character Mumushi enjoying Omori Tuna Kimchi Stew Ramen
【Product Lineup】
- Omorikimchi Kimchi Stew Ramen
- Omorikimchi Tuna Kimchi Stew Ramen
- Omorikimchi Budae Kimchi Stew Ramen
- Omorikimchi Cheese Stir-Fried Noodles (non-soupy)
- Tumse Omorikimchi Kimchi Stew Ramen
- Tumse Ramen
- Hong Ramen Spicy Cheese (non-soupy)
With varieties like tuna stew, budae stew, spicy cheese, and extra-spicy kimchi stew, this lineup offers diverse flavors, allowing customers to fully enjoy authentic Korean ramen.
Pouch Drinks Gaining Popularity on Social Media
In Korea, the trend of pouring pouch drinks into cups filled with ice has become a staple among younger generations.
The summer favorite 'Watermelon Ade' offers a refreshing, juicy fruit flavor. Additionally, the 'Pyongyang Naengmyeon Soup,' which gained viral attention on social media for its uniqueness, is introduced as a novel pouch drink, allowing consumers to easily enjoy the authentic, beef-broth-based soup.
Package Image: The authentic naengmyeon soup that gained popularity on social media
【Product Lineup】
- Watermelon Ade
- Mango Ade
- Strawberry Ade
- Peach Iced Tea
- Mango Iced Tea
- Blue Lemonade
- Pyongyang Naengmyeon Soup
Popular Korean Snacks Also Featured
Popular snack items from GS25, which enjoy massive support in Korea, are now being officially launched in the Japanese market. Notably, 'Dip Chocolatta' and 'Pistachio Chocolatta' have achieved cumulative sales of over 30 million units in Korea. Known for their crispy texture and rich flavor, these snacks deliver authentic Korean trends and local tastes directly to Japanese consumers.
Package Image: Left: Dip Chocolatta; Right: Pistachio Chocolatta
Image: Truffle Potato Chips
【Product Lineup】
- Dip Chocolatta
- Pistachio Chocolatta
- Wonsora Snack
- Sweet Potato Snack
- Omoide no Oranda (Memory of Holland)
- Truffle Potato Chips
Suggested Retail Prices
The following are the recommended retail prices for each item:
【Cup Noodles】
- Omorikimchi Kimchi Stew Ramen: 299 JPY
- Omorikimchi Tuna Kimchi Stew Ramen: 379 JPY
- Omorikimchi Budae Kimchi Stew Ramen: 379 JPY
- Omorikimchi Cheese Stir-Fried Noodles: 299 JPY
- Tumse Omorikimchi Kimchi Stew Ramen: 299 JPY
- Tumse Ramen: 299 JPY
- Hong Ramen Spicy Cheese: 299 JPY
【Pouch Drinks】
- Watermelon Ade: 219 JPY
- Mango Ade: 219 JPY
- Strawberry Ade: 219 JPY
- Peach Iced Tea: 199 JPY
- Mango Iced Tea: 199 JPY
- Blue Lemonade: 199 JPY
- Pyongyang Naengmyeon Soup: 219 JPY
【Snacks】
- Dip Chocolatta: 259 JPY
- Pistachio Chocolatta: 259 JPY
- Wonsora Snack: 239 JPY
- Sweet Potato Snack: 239 JPY
- Omoide no Oranda: 239 JPY
- Truffle Potato Chips: 299 JPY
*All prices listed are exclusive of tax.
*Prices may vary by store.
*Ice cups for pouch drinks must be prepared separately.
Future Plans
GS Japan, as the Japanese subsidiary of GS Global—a trading arm of the GS Group—positions food and cosmetics as core business areas.
Meanwhile, GS Retail, another group company, exports PB and differentiated products to over 30 countries and regions including Japan, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, with its product portfolio now reaching approximately 600 items.
GS Japan will continue to deliver popular and trending Korean products—including GS Retail’s PB items—to the Japanese market quickly and reliably, offering customers enjoyable food experiences.
PB Brand [youus]: A concept brand reflecting high quality and current trends
PB Brand [REAL price]: A concept brand focused on cost-performance
Company Overview
Company Name: GS Japan Co., Ltd.
CEO: Shuhei Okubo
Business: Steel, materials, petrochemicals, food, cosmetics, etc.
- Website: https://www.gsglobal.co.jp/
- X: https://x.com/gsjapan1977
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsjapanofficial/
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product
- Products / services: youus