K-Pop Star Song Ga-in Shocked by Rising Prices of Korean Fish-Shaped Pastries

K-pop singer Song Ga-in was taken aback by the rising prices of bungeoppang, a popular Korean fish-shaped pastry.

On November 8, Song Ga-in's YouTube channel featured a video titled, "Oh My, What's Happening with Bungeoppang Prices? From Traditional Red Bean to Dubai Chocolate, Song Ga-in Enjoys a Full Bungeoppang Tour."

In the video, Song Ga-in expressed her excitement, saying, "Winter is all about bungeoppang. I love it so much that I even bought a mold to make it at home. Bungeoppang and egg bread are my favorites."

Currently residing in Gangnam, Song Ga-in announced her plan to visit the top three bungeoppang shops in the area. "I used to love red bean filling, but now I prefer the more sophisticated custard filling. I always start eating from the head to get to the filling right away," she shared.

At the first shop, Song Ga-in was shocked to find that one bungeoppang cost 1,000 KRW (approximately $0.85). "Has inflation gone up this much? Gangnam is too expensive. I remember when you could get three for 1,000 KRW," she exclaimed.

Jokingly, she added, "I should start this business myself since it has everything I love." Upon seeing the open cash box, she remarked, "It could be risky when it's busy. You have to trust people's honesty."

Ordering walnut red bean and custard flavors, Song Ga-in was amused by the production team's large order. She candidly reviewed the taste, saying, "The custard is a bit bland. Is this a trend? I tried low-fat milk because they say it's good, but it tasted watered down, so I decided not to drink it."

At the second shop, Song Ga-in was amazed by the 12 different types of bungeoppang available and the kiosk ordering system. When a staff member complimented her on using the kiosk, she humorously retorted, "What do you take me for?"

With each bungeoppang priced at 2,500 KRW (about $2.10), Song Ga-in commented, "It's pricey, but it feels worth it. It's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside." When the staff was surprised by her use of the term "crispy on the outside, soft on the inside," she joked, "You must think I'm from the countryside."

Finally, at a shop dubbed the "Hermès of Bungeoppang," Song Ga-in regretted not dressing up for the occasion. "I should have worn stockings and a skirt," she said. Upon learning that one bungeoppang cost over 10,000 KRW (around $8.50), she advised, "Only the wealthy should buy this. Students, please refrain."

After spending about 30,000 KRW (approximately $25) on five pastries, Song Ga-in remarked, "This is truly a luxury pastry. Young women will love it. All three places were delicious," she concluded, satisfied. Later, she craved something spicy and ordered kimchi ramen at a snack bar, showing her down-to-earth side.

Meanwhile, Song Ga-in, who rose to fame after winning 'Miss Trot,' has been rumored to have a fortune of 20 billion KRW (around $17 million). However, she clarified, "It's all rumors. I wish it were true, but it's actually around 4 billion KRW (approximately $3.4 million)."

Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr