Hello, this is Korea advertising.
Reinterpretation of New Seasoning – The Rise of 'Yaja Chicken'
Nene Chicken is a brand that has led the Korean chicken market with constant menu innovation. In late 2024, it is attracting attention once again with the release of a new product **Yaja Chicken** that has created a unique wind in its existing chicken seasoning. Here, 'Yaja' does not simply mean 'yaja water,' but is short for 'night snack stimulator,' which symbolizes a strong addictive quality that makes one want to eat more at night.
Yaja chicken features a perfect combination of sweetness and saltyness, and umami powder seasoning optimized for Korean tastes. Unlike the existing mara, soy sauce, and red pepper bases, the subtle spread of savory cheese powder and sweet sugar bases are added with pungent onion and garlic flavors to give a different texture. In fact, Nene Chicken said, "We have undergone about six months of research and development to set a direction different from the existing seasoning chicken."
The concept of 'night snack stimulator' – clearly targeting the target audience
The biggest feature of Yaja Chicken is its clear target audience setting. In Korean society, where delivery culture and late-night snack demand are high, the menu is designed for those in their 20s and 30s who visit chicken even late at night. The brand took a strategic approach from naming to instill in them the equation of 'night snack = chicken = palm chicken'.
The promotional keyword of Yaja Chicken is "Do you want to sleep late tonight?" and by adding fun elements to the simple menu name, it has induced SNS memes and natural viral effects. In particular, among Gen Z, it has been evaluated as a marketing that has not missed the sensitivity and trend of the MZ generation, as it has continued to play the language of 'Yaja = wild stimulation'.
Yoo Jae-suk Advertising Campaign – Get Trust and Humor at the Same Time
The person who appeared as Yaja Chicken's face is none other than Yoo Jae-seok, the "people's MC." Yoo Jae-seok has been a representative figure who symbolizes trust and favorability in numerous advertisements, and has maintained a long-standing partnership with Nene Chicken. In this Yaja Chicken commercial, we have moved away from the existing calm image and have become more friendly to the younger generation by showing a comical and slick appearance.
The commercial video begins with Yoo Jae-seok's comment, "I'm going to study late again today," and humorously captures the scene where he secretly eats Yaja chicken after work. Exaggerated reactions, addictive facial expressions, and unique narratives maximize the advertising effect and leave a strong impression on viewers. In fact, YouTube ad views exceed 3 million views in a week, and from the advertiser's point of view, it is considered a "successful launch."
Consumer Responses and Future Prospects
Yaja Chicken has received explosive responses from SNS and the community since its launch. In particular, word of mouth naturally spread as reviews such as "The King of Sweet and Salty," "It's no joke," and "The New World of the Night Restaurant" continued. Reviews in delivery apps also have more than 90% of positive reviews, increasing the possibility of a long run of menus.
In addition, Nene Chicken is expanding its consumer choices by launching a side menu (yaja cheese balls, palm sauce) ** exclusively for palm chicken, and has announced the expansion of its lineup based on the palm series in the future. Industry sources predict that it is a turning point for Nene Chicken to regain its focus in the seasoning chicken market.
Finishing – 'Yaja chicken' is a trend beyond simple menu
Nene Chicken's Yaja Chicken goes beyond simple chicken menus and is a product that accurately targets the trend-sensitive MZ generation's tastes. With sensual naming, experimental seasoning, and Yoo Jae-seok's influence, Yaja Chicken is spreading as a cultural code.
Yaja Chicken's success is expected to remain a prime example of how important the emotion-oriented brand strategy is in the Korean franchise market in the future.