"My Love from the Star" Sweeps Asia, Sparking "Fried Chicken and Beer" Craze in Mainland China

▲ The Korean drama "My Love from the Star" is sweeping across Asia, and the "fried chicken and beer" that lead actress Cheon Song-yi loves to eat whether she's sad or happy has also become a recent hit dish. (Photo / Reporter Tian Fumo Ti)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

"It's snowing, how can there not be fried chicken and beer?" Remember this iconic line from Jun Ji-hyun in "My Love from the Star"? The craze for the Korean drama continues to sweep across Asia, with everything from the fashion worn in the show to its filming locations becoming must-follow trends among fans or must-visit spots for travelers heading to Korea. The scene where characters enjoy "fried chicken and beer" while it's snowing has also recently become the hottest meal trend in mainland China.

According to reports from mainland media, the Korean drama "My Love from the Star" has been a huge hit in China. Due to Cheon Song-yi’s famous line in the show — "It's snowing, how can there not be fried chicken and beer?" — many restaurants have jumped on the trend by offering "fried chicken and beer" combo meals. These offerings have proven extremely popular, with many people braving the cold and waiting in long queues in the snow just to buy the set meal, eager to taste the delicious flavor recommended by Cheon Song-yi and help revive the poultry market, which has been struggling due to the recent H7N9 outbreak.

% Ji... Tao Lian You】? Ji, whether it's snowing or any other time, "chicken with beer" is her favorite dish (Photo / Screenshot from the internet)

In Shanghai, on Hongquan Road’s “Korean Street,” several Korean-style fried chicken shops have seen long lines forming in recent days. To get the “fried chicken and beer” combo, customers have to wait at least an hour or more. A local resident laughed as they said they had come specially by car from Pudong with friends just to queue up here after watching "My Love from the Star." They not only wanted to try authentic Korean fried chicken, but also to enjoy snow while eating chicken and beer just like Cheon Song-yi.

There’s also a Japanese chain restaurant in Hangzhou that, instead of focusing on Japanese cuisine for Valentine’s Day, offered a fried chicken and beer meal — and managed to sell thousands of orders on the day itself. The popularity of "My Love from the Star" is evident across Asia.