Hello Soju Proudly Announces Inaugural “International Soju Week” September 20-26, 2026
PRESS RELEASE posted by Hello Soju
LOS ANGELES (September 21, 2026) - Hello Soju is proud to announce the inaugural International Soju Week taking place September 20-26, 2026, and continuing annually. Certified through National Today, an internationally recognized source for days of celebration throughout the world, Hello Soju introduces International Soju Week to support its mission of raising awareness of the iconic spirit while bringing the centuries-old Korean tradition of soju making into the future - with an award-winning, better-for-you twist.
Inspired by the introduction of California’s “Soju Day” originally established on September 20, 2025 (Senate Resolution No. 166), and the 2024 state-wide legislation permitting California restaurants with a beer-and-wine license to serve domestically produced soju (Assembly Bill 2069), International Soju Week proudly supports California Soju Day and is taking the next step to elevate soju’s heritage and cultural significance in the U.S. and beyond.
“It’s an honor to establish International Soju Week as a time to celebrate one of the world's most beloved and widely consumed spirits,” says Hello Soju CEO Elisabeth Baron. “Soju’s popularity is rapidly growing in the U.S. and it’s our hope that people use this moment as another reason to taste, discover, and come together.”
Made in California with all-natural ingredients including non-GMO California sticky rice, Hello Soju has a distinct profile that has earned Double Gold at the CHILLED 100 Awards and Platinum at the 2026 L.A. Spirits Awards. It’s a modern expression of soju, offered in two experiences:
Premium Flagship Soju Spirit - a small-batch, full-proof (33% ABV) soju, hand-crafted in Sonoma County, California, using locally sourced, non-GMO California sticky rice that is distilled in copper pot stills using the traditional Korean method
Premium Sparkling Soju - ready-to-drink, low-ABV (7% ABV) sparkling soju made with Hello Soju’s premium spirit, real fruit juice, and no added sugar in five refreshing flavors (Asian Pear, Lychee, Lemon Yuzu, Peach, and limited-edition Green Grape)
For those enjoying the spirit, Hello Soju has a number of cocktail recipes available at hellosoju.com.
Visit National Today’s International Soju Week listing to learn more about the heritage and history of soju, as well as rituals and celebratory ways to enjoy soju and build community.
Where to Find Hello Soju
Hello Soju is available online at hellosoju.com, and at premium retailers across California, Nevada, Texas, and Colorado, including BevMo!, select Total Wine & More, Gelson's, Target, Lee’s Discount Liquor and coming soon, Safeway.
Hello Soju is also available at notable restaurants across California including Chubby Group (Chubby Social, NIKU X), Ahgassi, Houston Brothers Hospitality (Andy’s, with Anderson .Paak and Level 8), Openaire at The Line Hotel, and multiple locations of Baekjeong.
To learn more, visit hellosoju.com and follow @hellosoju on Instagram.
About Hello Soju
Hello Soju is a modern expression of soju reimagined. Bringing a centuries-old tradition into the future with an award-winning, better-for-you twist. Made in California with all-natural ingredients, the brand delivers two experiences: ready-to-drink, low-ABV, sparkling soju made with real fruit juice and no added sugar in Asian Pear, Lychee, Lemon Yuzu, Peach, and limited-edition Green Grape; and the premium flagship soju spirit, a small-batch, non-GMO sticky rice soju distilled in copper pot stills, in Sonoma County, using the traditional Korean method. Both share the same meticulously fermented and distilled spirit at the core, creating a clean, distinct profile that has earned Double Gold at the CHILLED 100 Awards and Platinum at the 2026 L.A. Spirits Awards. Co-founded by The Hello Group, the ethos of Hello Soju is rooted in music and culture. Hello Soju is available at premium retailers in California, Nevada, Texas, and Colorado, including BevMo!, select Total Wine & More, Gelson's, and Target, with expanded availability coming soon. To learn more, visit hellosoju.com and follow @hellosoju on Instagram.
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