Robot fried chicken: An entrepreneur is revolutionising Sourth Korea's favourite food
It holds a special place in South Korean culture, consumed at various occasions, from intimate family gatherings to extravagant «mukbang» sessions watched by millions, including K-pop sensation Jungkook from the renowned group BTS. Paired with chilled lager, this combination, affectionately known as «chimaek» (a fusion of the Korean words for chicken and beer), is an essential part of the Seoul experience, particularly during baseball games.
South Korea boasts the world's third-largest domestic fried chicken market, trailing only behind the United States and China, with a staggering worth of approximately seven trillion won ($5.3 billion).
However, a critical challenge is looming as the nation grapples with a severe demographic crisis stemming from the world's lowest birth rate.
A government survey from the previous year revealed that around 54 percent of food service business owners face difficulties in finding employees, attributed to long working hours and demanding conditions, according to industry research. Korean fried chicken's signature crispy exterior is achieved through a brining and double-frying process, which is more complex than the methods employed by American fast-food chains, leading to increased labor demands and prolonged exposure to hot oil.
But now an entrepreneur is revolutionising the country's beloved fast-food, with the help of robots.
The 38-year-old entrepreneur, Kang Ji-young, is using automation to tackle labor costs and workforce shortages.
Kang's robot, equipped with a simple yet flexible mechanical arm, can fry an astounding 100 chickens in just two hours – a task that would typically require approximately five individuals and multiple deep fryers. However, the robot's impact extends
