KFC Korea, which operates the KFC chicken and burger brand domestically, announced on the 5th that it recorded sales of 167.8 billion won in the first half of this year (January to June). This is a 19.2% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to KFC Korea, the operating profit for the first half of 2025 is 9.3 billion won, up 39.7% from the same period last year. During the same period, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) was 14.1 billion won, a 30.7% increase compared to the previous year. Average sales at stores open during the same period also rose by 12.3%, and the number of visitors increased by 9.2%, both hitting record highs.
KFC Korea explained that the combination of product competitiveness centered on chicken, promotions that lowered price burdens, digital transformation, and strengthened store strategies worked organically together. In particular, the chicken and rice menu "Ken-Chi-Bap," created in collaboration with star chef Choi Hyun-seok, succeeded at the box office and was adopted as a formal menu item, with the derivative item "Butter Garlic Rice" also launched.
Currently, the Ken-Chi-Bap recipe and advertisements have been exported to overseas markets such as Mongolia and Taiwan. In addition, items like "Upgrade-Vita Tower," "Mashed Potatoes & Gravy," and "Lunch-Kin Box" have received positive responses, diversifying the menu product line. Furthermore, promotions such as the 1,900 won chicken have contributed to expanding brand loyalty.
The company's app-centric digital strategy also seems to have yielded results. The number of app downloads reached an average of 106,000 per month, up 79% from the previous year. New subscribers increased to 436,000, doubling from the previous year. The current total number of members is 2.86 million. Compared to the same period last year, the member repurchase rate increased by 56.4%, and the purchase frequency rose to 7.36 times.
The store operation strategy is also evaluated as having been effective. Stores were innovated or relocated around key business districts, and the operating hours of 16 stores were extended to 2 a.m. Six additional stores now operate 24 hours.
In particular, the franchise business surpassed a cumulative total of 18 stores within a year of its launch. Last April, the first multi-store franchisee emerged. By the end of the year, it is expected that the number of multi-store franchisees will increase to three or more.
Shin Ho-sang, CEO of KFC Korea, noted, "The continued implementation of an execution-centered strategy under the principle that delicious products are a priority has resulted in improved performance," and added, "In the second half of the year, we will strengthen our differentiated competitiveness through unique flavors and consumer-centric strategies."