[Edaily Reporter kim mi-kyung ] Kim Jeong-soo, chairman of SamyangFoods and the man behind the “Buldak” phenomenon, received 894.17 million won in compensation from the company during the first half of this year.

According to Samyang Foods’ ( SamyangFoods(003230) ) semi-annual report released on the 14th, Chairman Kim received a total of 894,170,000 won in the first half of this year, consisting of 891,670,000 won in salary and 2,500,000 won in other employment income.

His salary was paid at a monthly rate of 133.33 million won from January through May, and at a monthly rate of 225 million won starting in June, following his promotion from vice chairman to chairman. This represents an increase of approximately 17% compared to the first half of last year and means his salary has risen by about 69%—or roughly 90 million won—since he assumed the chairmanship.

Regarding the calculation of Chairman Kim’s compensation, SamyangFoods explained, “We determined and paid the compensation by comprehensively considering his position, role, the nature of his duties, and performance results, all within the director compensation limit approved at the shareholders’ meeting.”

Meanwhile, SamyangFoods surpassed 600 billion won in overseas sales for the first time on a quarterly basis. The company recorded second-quarter sales of 770.3 billion won and operating profit of 176.2 billion won.