{
  "id": 4542948,
  "title": "Oriental Brewery enters soju market with zero-sugar 'Charlang'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/oriental-brewery-enters-soju-market-with-zero-sugar-charlang",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-31T01:57:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/companies/20260831/oriental-brewery-enters-soju-market-with-zero-sugar-charlang"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Oriental Brewery, a brewer owned by AB InBev and famous for its Cass beer, is now venturing into Korea's soju market with a new product called \"Charlang.\" This zero-sugar soju is made using volcanic bedrock water from Jeju Island. The company announced that Charlang will be available in late September, representing a new phase for OB as it broadens its focus beyond beer. This entry into the soju market comes after OB acquired Jeju Soju from Shinsegae L&B, giving the company a presence in the soju industry and diversifying its beverage range. Charlang's unique taste comes from the water, which is naturally filtered through volcanic rock on eastern Jeju, resulting in a milder flavor. Additionally, the addition of lava seawater salt provides a subtle savory taste. The 15% alcohol-by-volume soju aims to minimize the artificial alcohol scent and sweetness often found in other soju products. The name and packaging of Charlang are inspired by Jeju's natural surroundings, reflecting the gentle waves and calm atmosphere the company hopes to convey.",
  "summary": "Oriental Brewery (OB), an AB InBev-owned brewer best known for its Cass beer brand, is entering Korea’s soju market for the first time with “Charlang,” a zero-sugar soju made with volcanic bedrock water from Jeju Island. The company said Monday that Charlang will hit the market in late September, marking a new chapter for OB as it expands beyond its core beer business. OB’s move into the soju…",
  "key_points": [
    "Oriental Brewery enters Korean soju market with Charlang",
    "Charlang is zero-sugar soju made with Jeju volcanic water",
    "Product aims to reduce artificial alcohol scent and sweetness"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Oriental Brewery's entry into the soju market with Charlang diversifies its beverage range and cements its presence in Korea's liquor industry beyond its beer business.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Oriental Brewery enters soju market with zero-sugar 'Charlang'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/oriental-brewery-enters-soju-market-with-zero-sugar-charlang-4544294",
        "published": "2026-08-31T02:02:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}