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When you dive into the world of K-dramas, there are certain codes that you're quick to spot: romantic scenes in the rain, trips to the mountains... and product placements. And the least we can say is that Korean brands know how to do it naturally! One of the champions of all categories? Kopikothose little coffee sweets that pop up everywhere, always at just the right moment.
And it's a perfect fit: South Koreans are great coffee lovers (keopi / 커피), so when there's no cup to hand, Kopiko is there to save the day or wake up a tired hero.
The Kopiko brand, now a cult in Korea
Kopiko is a brand from Indonesiaspecializing in coffee and confectionery, including the world-famous Kopiko coffee candy. For the record, kōpiko is the name of the coffee bean used, which is actually found in Hawaii.
And even if it's "just" a candy, its dose of caffeine seems to work real miracles in the dramas' plots, waking up a foggy mind or giving a little boost at just the right moment.
Kopiko in the K-dramas, a well-established presence
Kopiko may be famous the world over, but the brand is not above reminding us that it exists, and that it can be found in every corner of the globe. commercial placement in a large number of kdramas first distributed in South Korea, and now with a global reach. This is an opportunity for us too to try these little coffee sweets (sometimes sold in supermarkets or online in grocery stores specializing in Asian products or on Amazon).
It's hard to list all the series Kopiko is in, but we've managed to find a few for you!
In Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
An emblematic scene facing the sea: Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho) talks with Ji Seong-hyun (Lee Sang-yi), and a little Kopiko candy slipped discreetly into the conversation. Classic, effective.
In Vincenzo
Impossible to miss: Vincenzo (Song Joong-ki) literally takes out the package, opens it, unwraps the candy, and puts it in his mouth, while talking to Hong Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been). An assertive placement, clearly visible and almost pedagogical!
In Buried Hearts
In 2025, we haven't yet had much opportunity to meet Kopiko, and yet I was surprised to see him in Buried Hearts (a must-see, I recommend it so much) with Park Hyung-sik.
Seo Dong-ju (Park Hyung-sik) slips to his ally in episode 10:
"I should have had a coffee on the way..."
But he opts for a Kopiko and concludes:
"It's great, it wakes you up."
The candy even returns in the next episode, this time with secondary characters. In short, the saga continues!
Kopiko has even dedicated an article on his blog to list the latest kdramas in which he appears: Atypical family, Doctor Slump, Marry My husband or Queen of Divorce for 2024.
Kdrama fans try Kopiko
It has to be said: tasting a Kopiko is a bit of a rite of passage for K-drama fans.. On Reddit, X (Twitter) or Instagram, many fans share their opinions, photos and even tasting videos. The candy is often bought online, sometimes in Asian grocery stores. And if the feedback is anything to go by, it lives up to its promise!
Which kdramas have you seen Kopiko in lately? Have you had a taste yet?
You'll also notice that this name inspired us, since Kdrama Kopi comes from the name Keopi, from sharing around this passionate subject of kdramas over a good cup of coffee... or a Kopiko candy 🙂
