LOTTE Group (ЛОТТЕ Груп) is the 5th largest conglomerate in South Korea, founded in 1948 after Samsung, Hyundai Motors, SK, and LG. Over 70 different companies operate under the LOTTE brand.
Lotte Chilsong Beverage (Лотте Чильсонг Беверидж) is the leading producer of alcoholic beverages in Korea, offering a wide range of drinks from traditional Korean ones like soju, plum wine, and rice drink cheongju (чхонджу), to classic wines, liqueurs, beers, and whiskies. Among the company's brands, Chum Churum (Чум Чурум) stands out as one of the most popular soju brands in South Korea.
The name Chum Churum is inspired by a poem by South Korean poet and professor Shin Yeon Bok and translates as "like the first time." The logo is designed using traditional Korean calligraphy techniques.
Soju is the best-selling alcoholic beverage in the world, with its name translating from Korean as "flaming alcohol." Its name is not actually derived from its strength but rather from the distillation process that takes place over an open flame.
Soju is a source of pride in Korea, representing one of the country's greatest achievements. It was first produced in the early 14th century when Mongols invaded the peninsula, bringing arak (anise-based liquor) and the distillation process with them.
The original anise-based liquor did not last long and seamlessly transformed into Korean soju.
Beyond its historical homeland, soju is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Today, Korean soju can be found on shelves in the United States, China, Japan, and other countries across the globe.