BTS Star Jin Teases Liquor Brand Alongside Celebrity Chef Baek Jong-won

Jin of BTS attends the Gucci Fashion Show during the Milan Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 in Milan, Italy, on September 27, 2024 (Photo: Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto via AP).

Earlier this month, The Korea Economic Daily reported that K-pop star Jin is getting in on the liquor business. A social media page for the brand, which goes by the name IGIN, has since confirmed that the venture will touch down on shelves sometime in January.

Here’s what fans can expect from the boozy startup:

The brand will reportedly be spearheaded by IGIN Apple Gin, a 40%-ABV spirit distilled from Korean rice and apples. IGIN will also be made available in two pre-mixed cocktail varieties canned at 4% ABV; a Tangy Tonic that combines apple and plum flavors alongside a Sweet Tonic that combines apple and watermelon. All are produced using local ingredients sourced from throughout Korea.

Images shared on the brand’s Instagram page show colorful packaging complete with hand-scribbled smiley faces and fruits. No word yet on pricing or availability outside of its home country.

(Photo: igin_sns/Instagram)

In addition to BTS’ Jin, the venture is being brought to market celebrity chef Baek Jong-won, who recently garnered worldwide attention as one of the judges on Netflix’s hit show “Culinary Class Wars.” Occasionally referred to as the “Gordon Ramsay of Korea,” Baek’s face and name are ubiquitous across the country’s restaurant scene. His company, TheBorn Korea Inc., operates 26 franchises with 1,299 locations including barbeque chain Saemaul Sikdang, Baek’s Coffee and Baek’s Bibim.

Park Rok-dam, the director of the Korea Traditional Liquor Research Institute and the so-called “godfather of Korean traditional liquor”, will also lend his expertise to the brand per News 1.

Fans eager to sample the launch won’t have to wait much longer. IGIN has unveiled a pop-up store in the city of Yesan-gun, Korea that invites guests to sample the lineup and pick up a limited-time Christmas gift. Reservations are now open online for its grand opening on Dec. 20.

“Another Level” by Jin playing at the Jini’s Lamp Pre-Opening Event! 🎉

IGIN WHERE SMILES BEGIN#IGINbyJin #IGIN #JinisLamp pic.twitter.com/E7RhFwcFqT

— All for Jin (@jinnieslamp) December 16, 2024