"Can't Let Them Go"… Beloved Imitation Crab and Ballpoint Pen Brands Survive Delisting Crisis Thanks to Supportive Spending

Distribution Industry Sees Simultaneous Surge in Imitation Crab Sales

Monami Ballpoint Pens Also Spark 'Purchase Certification' Relay

While online campaigns to save Han Sung Enterprise and Monami, both facing delisting threats, are gaining momentum, a different trend is visible on the ground. Sales of fish cake products such as 'Kreami' have surged, and numerous posts certifying the purchase of Monami ballpoint pens are drawing attention.

Seafood processing company Han Sung Enterprise's 'Kreami' product. Han Sung Market

According to the retail industry on July 19, between July 6 and July 12, sales of 'fish cake' products at GS25 convenience stores jumped 70.6% year-on-year. During the same period, fish cake sales at CU convenience stores rose 53.8% from the previous year. At Emart, a major hypermarket, sales in the fish cake category increased by 15% compared to the same period last year.

Although these statistics cover all fish cake products, there were no special promotions or events at major retailers during this timeframe. Analysts interpret the sales increase as being affected by a trend of 'conscious consumption' and 'support purchases' spreading via social networking services (SNS).

Previously, Han Sung Enterprise, a seafood processing company, has long enjoyed popularity among consumers with fish cake products like 'Kreami.' However, the company recently faced the risk of delisting due to failing to meet strengthened listing requirements, particularly the minimum market capitalization standard. Once this news spread among online communities, a wave of public support followed. It was also shared that Han Sung Enterprise has organized concerts for war veterans, further enhancing its positive image. Many believe that this led supporters to purchase its products in solidarity.

Monami likewise faced a decline in stationery sales due to a shrinking school-age population and was reportedly at risk of delisting. News of Monami's activities supporting Dokdo spread online, fueling a movement under the banner of 'Let's protect the nation’s ballpoint pen company.' In July, Monami’s premium pen line, the '153' series, saw a rise in certified purchase reviews on its Naver shopping page, accompanied by messages of support from consumers.

The stock prices of both companies have soared as well. Han Sung Enterprise’s shares rose from 4,210 won at the end of June to 14,520 won on July 16. Monami’s stock also surged, jumping from 1,200 won at the end of last month to 3,730 won on July 16.

In its official statement on July 7, Han Sung Enterprise said, "We are deeply grateful for the praise and encouragement being shown to Han Sung Enterprise on online and social media platforms." They added, "Rather than our company receiving outsized recognition for organizing music concerts for war veterans, we sincerely hope that the service and sacrifice of true heroes for the country will become more widely known."

The '153 Signature' premium pen featuring the 2026 Seoul color 'Morning Yellow'. Monami

Following the steep rise in its stock price, Monami posted a handwritten letter of appreciation by President Song Jae-hwa on its website on July 11. President Song wrote, "Seeing the wave of support for Monami spreading online has left me profoundly moved and acutely aware of my responsibility. Despite facing the serious prospect of delisting, your faith in Monami and continued support have given us immense strength that cannot be replaced by anything else."

A Monami spokesperson stated, "We plan to continue expanding our collaborations with public institutions, steadily launching products that reflect the value of these organizations' brands." Monami has outlined a strategy to diversify revenue sources and reduce dependence on the consumer market by developing exclusive limited-edition products and goods tailored to each institution, thereby creating new demand.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.