In a landmark decision that underscores the powerful synergy between K-pop and Korean culture, Nongshim has selected the globally influential girl group aespa as the first-ever global ambassadors for its flagship instant noodle product, Shin Ramyun.
Announced on November 19, 2025, this partnership is designed to leverage aespa’s immense international reach to strengthen Shin Ramyun’s image as a leading K-food brand worldwide.
Aligning Global Influence and Brand Message
Nongshim’s decision to appoint aespa is strategic, aiming to expand its presence in international markets where K-pop holds significant cultural sway.
The Global Slogan: aespa will help promote the brand’s global slogan: “Spicy Happiness In Noodles” (SHIN). This slogan is an expansion of the Korean tagline meaning “moving your life,” which the company believes closely aligns with the energetic, globally-connecting characteristics of aespa’s music and performance.
The Rationale: Nongshim noted that aespa’s ability to “deliver energy to fans across the globe through music” was a key factor. Furthermore, the members’ genuine interest in Nongshim products, including Shin Ramyun and Chapaguri, which they have frequently mentioned since 2021, positively influenced the decision, suggesting an authentic partnership.
A Spokesperson’s View: A Nongshim representative stated that the collaboration with aespa is crucial to “further solidify the image of K-food’s flagship brand Shin Ramyun to fans around the world” and deliver the cultural message of “Spicy Happiness In Noodles” through the power of culture.
Campaign Song: The advertisement features aespa’s reinterpretation of the Spice Girls’ iconic 1997 hit, “Spice Up Your Life,” infusing the track with aespa’s distinctive vocals and performance style. This choice emphasizes the energetic identity of Shin Ramyun.
Visual Narrative: The video conveys the brand’s core message of delivering “spicy happiness” and features scenes of people from around the world enjoying the product.
Choreography Highlight: A key creative element is the introduction of the “Shin Ramyun Dance,” which includes three playful, instructional moves inspired by the steps of preparing the noodles:
Opening the ramen package.
Pouring water.
Preparing chopsticks. The choreography also features a creative set of finger movements that spell out the letters in “SHIN,” adding a fun, memorable element for fans to replicate.
Global Rollout and Special Edition Merchandise
The campaign will be backed by a substantial global marketing strategy involving both digital and physical products:
- Digital Distribution: The global advertisement will be distributed digitally in major export markets, including the United States, China, Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia, reflecting Nongshim’s focus on strengthening its international presence.
- Special Packaging: Nongshim will release special edition Shin Ramyun packages featuring aespa. Multi-packs will feature group images, while single-serving packs will be printed with individual member photos. The special package will first launch in China in November 2025, followed by a worldwide rollout, including Korea, in December.
- Fan Engagement: To further engage consumers, multi-packs of Shin Ramyun and Shin Ramyun Tumba will include collectible photocards featuring members’ photos and handwritten messages. Nongshim also plans a range of offline activities, including in-store advertising and promotional events in retail locations globally.
aespa shared their excitement, noting that Shin Ramyun has always been a favorite during their busy schedules, stating they look forward to sharing its appeal with fans everywhere as official ambassadors. This collaboration is seen as a major move to solidify the perception that “K-ramyeon equals Shin Ramyun” on the global stage.
Dating speculation surrounding BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung) and BLACKPINK’s Jennie (often nicknamed “Taennie” by fans) has once again surged following a series of coincidences noted during their recent schedules in Los Angeles and Seoul in November 2025.
This latest wave of rumors adds to an already long history of media attention surrounding the two global K-pop superstars, whose agencies have consistently maintained a stance of non-confirmation or non-denial regarding their private lives.
The Spark: Simultaneous Schedules and Shared Travel
The primary catalyst for the renewed speculation was the observation that both V and Jennie appeared to be in Los Angeles (LA) at the same time, despite V’s arrival allegedly preceding his officially scheduled appearances.
V and Jennie (Credit: YouTube)
This simultaneous presence in the U.S. sparked immediate interest among their respective fandoms and general netizens.
The rumors gained significant traction when fans noted what appeared to be their simultaneous return to South Korea from LA.
A post dated November 17, 2025, specifically claimed the two “arrived to SK from LA yesterday,” with social media posts, including a viral TikTok, highlighting this coincidence.
For fans invested in the relationship theory, this coordination of international travel—both leaving a major U.S. city and arriving back in Seoul at the same time—was considered compelling evidence of a shared private schedule.
Fan-Identified “Coincidences” and Supporting Clues
Beyond shared travel, fans have consistently interpreted various other public details as subtle hints confirming the relationship:
- Staff Connections: The Koreaboo article points out that fans found links between V’s stylist and Jennie’s manager, Alison, suggesting that their professional teams may also be connected or coordinating.
- Matching Items and Accessories: Throughout the long history of the Taennie rumors, fans have often highlighted “matching” outfits, accessories, or small personal items as clues. The article references this ongoing trend of spotting “coincidences” in their outfits and accessories during their recent schedules.
- Social Media Nods: Historically, dating rumors between the two have been fueled by perceived clues on social media, such as V’s use of a specific song or image, which fans often connect back to Jennie’s past posts or outfits. While the current article focuses on their travel, the excitement shared by netizens on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) demonstrates how deeply rooted the fan theory remains.
Agency Silence and The Ongoing Rumor Mill
Despite the constant swirl of rumors, the agencies representing the artists—HYBE/Big Hit Music for V, and Jennie’s respective management (which has shifted with her solo career post-YG Entertainment contract renewal)—have maintained a policy of not commenting on the artists’ private affairs.
This consistent lack of official confirmation or denial has allowed the rumors to persist and reignite whenever the idols are publicly linked, either through alleged leaked photos (as occurred in 2022) or synchronized international activities like the recent LA and Seoul trips.
While this most recent speculation in November 2025 is the latest chapter, the dating narrative has remained a significant topic of discussion within the global K-pop community since its initial emergence in 2022.
The fan reactions demonstrate a strong, ongoing belief among supporters that the coincidences are too numerous to ignore.
