Since someone finally has to say it, I will do the honors. K-dramas have the worst and most shameless product placements, and I love the fact that they are unapologetic about it. But honestly, who needs shame when sponsorship money is on the line?

It’s general knowledge for every entertainment lover that product placements are a major source of funding for screenplays. But K-dramas? They take it to another level. Forget subtle logo appearances or casually placed products in the background, K-dramas want you to know, beyond any doubt, that the male lead only uses Samsung phones and a host of other things I will be talking about soon.

At this point, watching a K-Drama feels like browsing an online shopping catalog, except with swoon-worthy romance and dramatic plot twists. And honestly? We’re not even mad about it, at least I am sure about myself. So let’s break down the most iconic, in-your-face product placements that K-dramas have served us over the years.

Kopiko Candy - The power-up snack

There is no way you are a K-enthusiast and you don’t know that the Kopiko-candy can take you from a point zero to a point 100. I mean, according to the K-Drama logic, Kopiko is not just coffee candy, in fact, it’s an energy elixir that keeps overworked professionals, detectives, and CEOs functioning. Kopiko has definitely made its way into multiple dramas, subtly (or obviously) placed on office desks, slipped into characters’ pockets, or held up just long enough for the brand name to be crystal clear. And to be honest, I feel this Kopiko candy rave is working quite well because every K-Drama lover wants to have a taste of the candy to see if it really wakes a tired person up (as portrayed in K-dramas).

Did you see the way this candy was shamelessly advertised in Vincenzo? Well, if you ask me, the colorful and laughable way this candy is advertised in dramas can never make it an eyesore rather, it is something we will always laugh over.

The Samsung Phone- The ultimate K-drama gadget

Ever wondered why the poorest of K-Drama characters are using the latest Samsung phone (some of which are still in the testing stage)? Well, now you have your answer. Samsung and K-dramas obviously have an unbreakable sponsorship deal, ensuring that every dramatic call, shocking text, or secret recording happens on a sleek, high-tech device from Samsung and I tell you for a fact that it works on us every time, especially for gadget freaks like me. We can now confidently say Samsung is a K-drama necessity. In fact, it is an essential part of the storytelling formula. If you think I am exaggerating, tell me why Hyun Bin, a North Korean soldier, had the latest phone in a country where it was supposed to be illegal. Forget that ‘he has an influential father card’ you are about to play, we all know the real reason: sponsorship money is stronger than national borders.

Subway – The unofficial K-drama fuel

Let’s talk about another K-Drama tradition because if there’s one thing more consistent than the second lead getting rejected, it's Subway sandwiches making an appearance in every K-Drama like it’s the male lead or female lead we are there to see. Whatever you are going through, heartbreaks? Solving crimes? Planning a revenge scheme? Discuss everything while having a Subway Sandwich and iced Americano and you are good to go. If that does not work, then there’s no way I have ‘Eating different types of Subway Sandwiches’ on my Korea traveling to-do list.

Banana Flavored Milk – The nostalgic comfort drink

If there’s one drink that unites all K-Drama characters, regardless of age, social status, or life crisis, it’s the iconic banana-flavored milk. You’ll see it in heartwarming childhood flashbacks, late-night convenience store runs, and even in deep emotional moments where the male lead silently hands one to the female lead instead of expressing his feelings like a normal person. It’s the ultimate "I care about you but won’t say it out loud" gesture. This tiny bottle has made more appearances than some second leads. At this point, banana-flavored milk isn’t just a drink, it’s a K-Drama love language.

Of course, there are many other product pavements in K-dramas ranging from skincare products to fashion items and a host of others. However, I just think these are the most shameless (at least on my list)

Which one do you think I should have added?