Lotte Chilsung
A South Korean beverage company known for Chilsung Cider, Milkis, coffee, bottled water, juices, soju and other drinks.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Lotte Chilsung Beverage is a South Korean drinks manufacturer affiliated with Lotte Corporation and part of the wider Lotte Group. Its portfolio spans carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, dairy-style beverages, coffee, tea, sports and energy drinks, bottled water, imported water, traditional beverages, soju, whisky, wine and other alcoholic products. The company is best known domestically for Chilsung Cider, a lemon-lime carbonated drink introduced in 1950, and for Milkis, a carbonated dairy-flavoured beverage that became one of its most recognizable products in Korea and overseas. The company began in May 1950 as Dongbang Beverage Company and launched Chilsung Cider during its first year. Its corporate identity changed several times as the business expanded: it became Hanmi Foods Industry in 1967, Chilsung Hanmi Foods Corporation in 1973 and later Chilsung Beverage Company. In the 1970s it enlarged its production base through the acquisition of Busan Joint Beverage Corporation and established a technology partnership with PepsiCo. It subsequently became a major bottler and distributor for international beverage brands while continuing to develop Korean brands of its own. Lotte became increasingly central to the company’s development. Lotte Brewery merged with Chilsung in 1986, after which the business adopted a more integrated group identity and broadened its beverage and alcohol activities. The company supplied drinks for the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and its Opo plant became the first in its industry to receive the Korean Industrial Standards mark in 1987. By the late 1990s, Chilsung had become one of Asia’s largest beverage businesses by domestic market presence. In 2009, products associated with Chilsung were reported to represent 36.7% of the Korean beverage market, compared with 17.6% for Coca-Cola. Its non-alcoholic portfolio includes Chilsung Cider, Pepsi products bottled or distributed in Korea, Milkis, juices sold under Del Monte and Tropicana-related arrangements, Let's Be canned coffee, Cantata coffee, tea drinks, Gatorade, Trevi sparkling water, Icis purified water, Evian and Volvic. The alcoholic business includes Chum-Churum soju, Saero sugar-free soju, Scotch Blue whisky, Majuang wine, Baekhwasubok cheongju, Seoljungmae plum liquor and other traditional or fruit-based drinks. Chum-Churum has been marketed internationally, while Saero was introduced in 2022 as a sugar-free diluted soju with a distinctive fox mascot and a cleaner, modern brand image. Lotte Chilsung has pursued international growth through exports, licensing, strategic partnerships and acquisitions. It began exporting Chilsung Cider to Vietnam in 1966, acquired a relationship with Del Monte in 1982 and signed a Gatorade contract in 2001. In the Philippines, it entered through a 2010 investment in Pepsi Cola Products Philippines and later increased its stake before completing the acquisition in 2023. Its Chinese manufacturing operations were heavily affected by political tensions and consumer boycotts following the Lotte group’s involvement in the THAAD deployment dispute; the company’s Chinese operations had ceased by 2019, although products continued to reach Chinese-speaking markets through exports. The company has also faced governance, regulatory and reputational challenges connected with the wider Lotte Group. The 2015 succession conflict between Shin Dong-joo and Shin Dong-bin contributed to a fall in Lotte Chilsung’s market value, while a 2016 embezzlement investigation and Shin Dong-bin’s 2018 bribery conviction generated further market uncertainty. Separately, Korean regulators fined the company for alleged beverage-price coordination, resale-price restrictions and the underreporting of affiliate losses. Despite these setbacks, Lotte Chilsung remains an active, diversified beverage producer whose strategy combines strong Korean mass-market brands with international exports, overseas partnerships and premi…
History
Lotte Chilsung traces its origins to Dongbang Beverage Company, founded in May 1950 in South Korea. Its first major product was Chilsung Cider, a lemon-lime carbonated drink launched in the same year. The name Chilsung means “seven stars” or the Big Dipper, a reference reflected in the brand’s seven-star visual identity. The product became a durable part of Korean beverage culture and eventually the company’s signature brand. The business changed its corporate name as it developed. It became Hanmi Foods Industry in 1967 and Chilsung Hanmi Foods Corporation in 1973 before adopting the Chilsung Beverage identity. In 1975, it acquired Busan Joint Beverage Corporation. A technology partnership with PepsiCo followed in 1976, helping the company broaden its technical and commercial capabilities. Chilsung also developed its own cola in 1961, initially under the name Speci Cola and later as Chilsung Cola, although that product was eventually discontinued as the company focused on bottling and distributing Pepsi in Korea. The company’s relationship with Lotte deepened in the 1980s. Chilsung was selected as an official beverage supplier for the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and 1988 Seoul Olympics. Lotte Brewery merged with the business in July 1986, and a new corporate identity program was introduced later that year. In 1987, the Opo plant became the first facility in the Korean beverage industry to receive the KS mark. These developments reinforced Chilsung’s position as a nationally significant manufacturer with an increasingly broad production network. International business developed in parallel with domestic expansion. Chilsung began exporting Chilsung Cider to Vietnam in 1966. It formed a partnership with Del Monte in 1982 to produce fruit beverages and later obtained a Tropicana license. The company acquired a JAS mark in 1989 and signed a Gatorade agreement in 2001. By the late 1990s, it was described as the largest beverage company in Asia by certain measures and held approximately 35% of the Korean market. In 2009, its products were reported to account for 36.7% of the domestic beverage market, compared with 17.6% for Coca-Cola. Its portfolio expanded well beyond soda. Lotte Chilsung developed fruit juices, Milkis, canned coffee under Let’s Be, premium coffee under Cantata, tea drinks, sports drinks, sparkling water and purified water. It also operated a substantial alcoholic-beverage business, including Chum-Churum soju, Scotch Blue whisky, Majuang wine, plum liquor and traditional Korean alcoholic drinks. Chum-Churum was promoted as a soju made with alkaline-reduced water. In September 2022, the company introduced Saero, a sugar-free diluted soju positioned around a clean taste and a distinctive fox character. The brand was later operated simply as Saero. The company pursued acquisitions and overseas production as part of Lotte’s broader international strategy. In 2010, Lotte Chilsung acquired a minority stake in Pepsi Cola Products Philippines. It increased that stake substantially in 2020 and completed the acquisition in 2023. The Chinese business encountered a major setback after the South Korean government selected a Lotte-owned golf facility as the site for THAAD deployment. Anti-Lotte protests and boycotts severely affected the group’s Chinese businesses, and four factories associated with Lotte confectionery and beverage operations closed in the first quarter of 2019. Lotte Chilsung’s Chinese operations had ceased by the end of that year, although exports to China, Taiwan and other markets continued. Lotte Group governance issues also affected the company. In 2015, a public struggle between Shin Dong-joo and Shin Dong-bin over control of the group caused concern about Lotte’s future and coincided with a fall in Lotte Chilsung’s market value. A 2016 investigation into alleged embezzlement led to further market losses. In 2018, Shin Dong-bin was convicted of bribery connected with the South Korean political scandal, later released on appeal and returned to his group duties. Chilsung separately faced regulatory criticism: it was fined for alleged coordination of beverage price increases, for restricting retailers’ ability to lower prices and for underreporting affiliate losses. A further antitrust fine was imposed in 2021. Marketing has remained central to the company’s brand-building. Chum-Churum campaigns have used prominent Korean entertainers including Lee Hyori, Bae Suzy, Jennie of Blackpink and Han So-hee. Chilsung Cider has also used celebrities such as Park Seo-joon, Solbin and Jung Hae-in. In 2024, Park Ji-hoon and Kim Hye-yoon participated in animated advertising content supporting Saero Apricot. The company continues to combine mass-market Korean brands with overseas exports, strategic partnerships and product extensions aimed at younger, premium and health-conscious consumers.
- 2023
Philippine acquisition completed
[1]Lotte Chilsung completes its acquisition of Pepsi Cola Products Philippines.
- 2022
Saero launched
[1]The company introduces Saero, a sugar-free diluted soju brand.
- 2010
Entry into the Philippine beverage market
[1]Lotte Chilsung acquires a 34.4% stake in Pepsi Cola Products Philippines.
- 2001
Gatorade contract signed
[1]Chilsung signs an agreement involving Gatorade.
- 1987
Opo plant receives KS mark
[1]The Opo plant becomes the first facility in the Korean beverage industry to receive the KS mark.
- 1986
Lotte Brewery merger
[1]Lotte Brewery merges with Chilsung Beverage, broadening the company’s relationship with Lotte.
- 1982
Del Monte partnership established
[1]Chilsung establishes a partnership with Del Monte for fruit beverage production.
- 1976
PepsiCo technology partnership signed
[1]The company enters a technology partnership with PepsiCo.
- 1975
Busan beverage company acquired
[1]Chilsung acquires Busan Joint Beverage Corporation.
- 1966
Exports begin to Vietnam
[1]Chilsung Cider begins to be exported to Vietnam.
Products and positioning
A leading South Korean beverage house combining iconic domestic soft-drink and alcohol brands with international bottling, distribution and export operations.
Carbonated soft drink · 1950
Chilsung Cider
Chilsung Cider is the company’s signature lemon-lime carbonated beverage, launched on 9 May 1950. It became one of Korea’s best-known soft-drink brands and has been sold in distinctive packaging for much of its history. The original green PET bottle was retired in 2019 because of Korean packaging regulations, with clear bottles introduced in its place. The product has also served as a central platform for domestic advertising and export activity.
Dairy-flavoured carbonated beverage
Milkis
Milkis combines carbonation with a creamy, milk-like flavour profile. It is one of Lotte Chilsung’s most recognizable products outside Korea and has been exported widely in Asia and North America. The brand has developed a strong following in China and Taiwan, where export sales became an important example of the company’s ability to build international demand even after the closure of its Chinese manufacturing operations.
Cola
Pepsi
Lotte Chilsung bottles and distributes Pepsi in South Korea through its relationship with PepsiCo. This arrangement replaced the company’s earlier attempt to maintain a proprietary cola brand, Chilsung Cola, which was eventually discontinued.
Fruit juice · 1982
Del Monte and Tropicana beverages
The company produces and markets fruit beverages across orange, grape, apple, tangerine, pear and mango varieties. Its Del Monte relationship began in 1982, while a Tropicana license acquired in 2009 supported additional juice products, including homemade-style blends.
Canned coffee
Let's Be
Let's Be is Lotte Chilsung’s canned coffee line and has been described as one of South Korea’s leading canned coffee brands. It forms part of the company’s ready-to-drink coffee business alongside Cantata.
Ready-to-drink coffee
Cantata
Cantata is a coffee range built around Arabica beans sourced from plantations in different parts of the world. It extends Lotte Chilsung’s coffee offering beyond conventional canned coffee into a broader ready-to-drink portfolio.
Sparkling water
Trevi
Trevi is the company’s carbonated-water brand, representing its move into sparkling water and lighter refreshment products alongside traditional soft drinks.
Purified bottled water
Icis
Icis is Lotte Chilsung’s purified bottled-water line. It sits within the company’s broader water portfolio, which also includes imported Evian and Volvic products.
Soju
Chum-Churum
Chum-Churum is Lotte Chilsung’s principal soju brand. Its name means “like the first time,” and the brand has been marketed with major Korean entertainers and exported to numerous countries. The portfolio also includes the flavoured soju line Soonhari. The company has described Chum-Churum as using alkaline-reduced water in its production.
Sugar-free soju · 2022
Saero
Saero is a sugar-free diluted soju introduced in September 2022. It was designed to offer a clean taste and a more contemporary identity than established soju products, using the Saerogumi fox character as a mascot. The brand was initially called Chum-Churum Saero and later operated as a standalone Saero label.
Sports drink · 2001
Gatorade
Gatorade is part of Lotte Chilsung’s sports-drink portfolio under its commercial relationship with the brand. It complements the company’s own soft drinks, water and energy beverages.
Controversies
2021
Further antitrust fine
The Korean Fair Trade Commission imposed another fine of almost one billion won for an alleged violation of competition regulations.
2018
Affiliate-loss reporting violation
The Securities & Futures Commission fined Chilsung for allegedly presenting materially understated losses of an affiliate in its reporting.
2016
THAAD-related Chinese boycott
Chinese political and consumer backlash against Lotte after the THAAD site decision led to protests, boycotts and the eventual closure of Lotte Chilsung’s Chinese operations.
2015
Lotte family succession dispute
The public struggle between Shin Dong-joo and Shin Dong-bin over control of Lotte affected investor confidence and the market value of group affiliates including Lotte Chilsung.
2009
Beverage price-fixing penalty
The Korea Fair Trade Commission found that Chilsung and other beverage producers coordinated several price increases between February 2008 and February 2009 and fined Chilsung a reported 21.7 billion won.
2009
Retail price restriction case
Chilsung and other companies were found to have pressured retailers not to reduce prices, leading to a separate penalty.
Marketing campaigns
- 2024Saero Apricot animation campaign
South Korea
Park Ji-hoon and Kim Hye-yoon were selected as endorsers for animated advertising content supporting Saero Apricot and participated in dubbing the material.
- 2023Jung Hae-in Chilsung Cider campaign
South Korea
Actor Jung Hae-in became a face of Chilsung Cider advertising.
- 2021Jennie Chum-Churum campaign
South Korea · International export markets
Blackpink member Jennie represented Chum-Churum from 2021 to 2023. A promotional package included Jennie photo cards, a miniature standee, a branded soju glass and a Bluetooth microphone.
- 2017Chilsung Cider celebrity advertising
South Korea
Chilsung Cider released advertising featuring actor Park Seo-joon and LABOUM singer Solbin.
- 2017United States soft-drink promotion
United States
Lotte promoted Chilsung Cider, Milkis and Hot6 in the United States as part of an effort to expand its presence in the American beverage market.
- 2016Bae Suzy Chum-Churum campaign
South Korea
Actress and singer Bae Suzy represented Chum-Churum from 2016 to 2018 in a campaign built around her widely recognized public image.
- 2014So-maek campaign with Ham Sun-bok
South Korea
After restaurant owner Ham Sun-bok became known online for preparing a beer-and-soju cocktail called so-maek, Lotte used her as a Chum-Churum representative.
- 2007Lee Hyori Chum-Churum endorsement
South Korea
Singer Lee Hyori represented Chum-Churum from 2007 to 2012, helping associate the soju brand with mainstream Korean popular culture.
Brand decisions
2023
Completion of Pepsi Philippines acquisitionM&ABackground
Following its 2010 entry and 2020 ownership increase, Lotte Chilsung continued consolidating its Philippine beverage interests.
Action taken
The company completed the acquisition of Pepsi Cola Products Philippines.
Aftermath
The transaction strengthened Lotte Chilsung’s direct operating base in the Philippines.
2022
Launch of Saero sugar-free sojuProduct launchBackground
The company sought to respond to interest in lower-sugar alcoholic drinks and create a more contemporary soju identity.
Action taken
Lotte Chilsung launched Saero as a sugar-free diluted soju using a fox mascot and a clean-taste positioning.
Aftermath
The product was later operated as a standalone Saero brand rather than simply as a Chum-Churum variant.
2020
Increase in Philippine ownershipM&ABackground
Lotte Chilsung expanded its regional beverage platform after its initial investment in Pepsi Cola Products Philippines.
Action taken
The company paid 71.4 billion Korean won to raise its stake to 72.9%.
Aftermath
The transaction preceded completion of the Philippine acquisition in 2023.
Acquisition consideration. ₩71.4 billion (2020)
2019
Retirement of the green Chilsung Cider bottleOtherBackground
New Korean government rules concerning PET plastic affected the brand’s iconic packaging.
Action taken
Lotte Chilsung replaced the traditional green bottle with clear PET packaging.
Aftermath
The product continued under revised packaging while retaining its established brand identity.
2010
Investment in Pepsi Cola Products PhilippinesM&ABackground
Lotte Chilsung sought a stronger presence in the Southeast Asian beverage market.
Action taken
The company acquired a 34.4% stake in Pepsi Cola Products Philippines.
Aftermath
The investment became the foundation for a later increase in ownership and full acquisition.
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