Hamin-ki, Nephew of Shinjeon Ttokbokki Founder, to Debut as a Boy Group in Second Half of Next Year – Sparking Interest in the “Ttoksujeo” Trend

An idol is set to emerge from the family behind Shinjeon Ttokbokki, South Korea’s leading ttokbokki franchise. On the 28th, its agency, Modernberry Korea, announced that it will launch a new boy group in the second half of 2026, revealing that Hamin-ki, nephew of Shinjeon Ttokbokki founder Ha Seong-ho, will be part of the group. Born in 2007, Hamin-ki trained as a trainee at SM Entertainment and is known for his tall stature of 185cm and striking facial features. A representative from the agency stated, “The Shinjeon Ttokbokki family is actively supporting Hamin-ki’s preparation for his debut.” Initial confusion regarding Hamin-ki’s relationship to the founder also drew attention. The agency initially introduced him as “grandson of founder and chairman Ha Seong-ho,” but doubts arose because Ha Seong-ho was born in 1977, making him 48 years old at the time. Upon further verification, it was confirmed that Hamin-ki is not a grandson but a nephew. The agency explained, “Since there are two founders of Shinjeon Ttokbokki—Chairman Ha and his mother—the term ‘third generation’ is appropriate when referring to him based on the founder’s mother.” Shinjeon Ttokbokki was established in April 1999 in Daegu and gained popularity for its uniquely spicy ttokbokki. In addition to regular ttokbokki, it offers various other menu items such as cheese ttokbokki, rose ttokbokki, and maara ttokbokki. As of last year, the chain had reached 800 outlets and has expanded overseas to countries including Australia, the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Canada. In 2020, it opened the world’s first ttokbokki museum, the “Shinjeon Museum,” in Daegu. In 2023, it was selected for the sixth consecutive year as one of “K-Food Brands Loved Overseas.” Hamin-ki’s debut news has gained attention amid the recent trend of chaebol heirs entering the idol industry. Following Annie, eldest daughter of Shinsegae chairman Jung Yoo-kyung, who debuted in the mixed-group All Day Project in June this year, Hamin-ki is sparking further discussion by giving rise to the new term “ttoksujeo” (meaning “ttokbokki spoon”). In an interview, Hamin-ki expressed his ambition, saying, “I’m already excited about the chance to communicate with diverse fans. I want to reach the public through music filled with sincerity.”