Hyun Bin's 2.5 Million Won Manuka Honey: Its Benefits and Grading System Explained

Premium Manuka honey, valued at 2.5 million won and reportedly consumed daily by actor Hyun Bin, has become a hot topic after its appearance on a TV show. Son Ye-jin revealed on JTBC's 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator' that she brought her husband Hyun Bin's precious honey, sparking public curiosity about this expensive product. This New Zealand-sourced premium Manuka honey is drawing attention for its purported benefits and high price.

The product in question is a 250g Manuka honey with a UMF 32+ / MGO 1800+ rating, known to retail for approximately 2.5 million won in Korea. Manuka honey is harvested from the flowers of the Manuka plant in New Zealand and, unlike regular honey, contains a significant amount of methylglyoxal (MGO), a powerful natural antibacterial compound. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a certification system that verifies the quality factors of Manuka honey, including MGO, with higher numbers indicating stronger antibacterial effects and a premium grade.

Bloggers describe Manuka honey as more akin to a 'natural supplement' or 'medicine' than a mere sweetener, particularly highlighting its potential benefits for immune system management during seasonal changes. Chefs on the show also reacted positively after tasting the honey, with comments such as "the aroma is incredible" and "it feels like it's good for the body." High-grade Manuka honey is perceived to offer benefits far beyond those of ordinary honey.