Korean Star Zhang Guoqiang Helps Set Coffee Drinking Record

When thousands of fans gathered in Beijing for a meet-and-greet with Korean actor Zhang Guoqiang in April 2014, few expected the event to go down in the record books—not for fame, but for coffee. Organized by South Korea’s largest coffee chain Café Bene, the event wasn’t just a fan celebration but a carefully crafted marketing play built around sustainability, positivity, and, notably, a shared cup of coffee.

In one remarkable feat, over 1,000 attendees raised their cups together to drink coffee simultaneously, earning official recognition from the DaShijie Jiminsi (Guinness-style Chinese record body) for the largest group coffee drinking session. That moment, alongside eco-conscious messaging and fan engagement, cemented Café Bene’s star-powered campaign as both memorable and measurable.

A Star-Studded Green Arrival

Zhang Guoqiang made his entrance at the April 26 event—held at Beijing’s Kunlun Hotel—by arriving via eco-friendly transport. When asked why, he told the audience: “With global environmental issues worsening, I wanted to encourage my fans to reduce pollution by choosing green travel. Being a ‘warm cafe’ means caring for the planet too.” His arrival set the tone for the event’s theme: positive impact through everyday choices, starting with coffee.

What Is a 'Warm Cafe'?

Café Bene and Zhang Guoqiang introduced the concept of “Warm Cafe” at the event—a lifestyle attitude rather than just a drink. Zhang explained it as “an optimistic, inclusive, sunny mindset, someone who enjoys helping others. In China, you hear about positivity all the time. A Warm Cafe is simply someone who spreads that energy constantly.” The term became a cornerstone of the brand’s 2014 marketing, tying coffee culture to personal values and community warmth.

To bring the idea to life, Zhang interacted closely with fans—dubbed “eels” in Korean fan culture—and handed out limited-edition T-shirts symbolizing the Warm Cafe ethos. The message was clear: drinking coffee could be an act of connection and care.

The Record-Breaking Coffee Moment

The event’s most spectacular achievement was the mass coffee toast. As the countdown began, a thousand fans lifted their cups in unison and drank together. This synchronized act was officially recognized by DaShijie Jiminsi as a new record for the largest number of people drinking coffee simultaneously. Café Bene used the moment to spotlight a broader message: promoting environmentally conscious and healthy social habits through coffee.

The thousand-strong gathering wasn’t just for show—it underscored the brand’s strategy of blending entertainment, lifestyle, and purpose-driven marketing, all centered around a simple, shared drink.

Café Bene’s Celebrity-Driven Strategy

This event was just one in Café Bene’s long history of using A-list celebrities to promote its brand. The Korean coffee chain has consistently chosen high-profile stars like Han Ye-seul, Song Seung-heon, Kim Tae-hee, and Zhang Guoqiang as brand ambassadors. Their strategy ties star power directly to brand identity, creating buzzworthy events that blend pop culture with coffeehouse culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zhang Guoqiang?

Zhang Guoqiang is a popular Korean actor who became the brand ambassador for Café Bene in 2014. He attended the Beijing fan event that culminated in a record-breaking group coffee toast, helping promote the café chain’s “Warm Cafe” lifestyle concept.

What is the “Warm Cafe” concept?

“Warm Cafe” is a positive lifestyle philosophy promoted by Café Bene and Zhang Guoqiang. It refers to being optimistic, inclusive, helpful, and environmentally conscious—traits embodied by someone who spreads good energy, much like a warm cup of coffee brings comfort.

How many people set the coffee drinking record at the event?

Over 1,000 fans participated in the synchronized coffee toast, which was recognized by DaShijie Jiminsi (China’s record body similar to Guinness) as the largest group of people drinking coffee together at one time.

Where did the event take place?

The event was held at the Kunlun Hotel in Beijing on April 26, 2014. It was Zhang Guoqiang’s first official fan meeting in Beijing after becoming Café Bene’s brand ambassador.

What record was set during the event?

The event set a DaShijie Jiminsi record for the largest number of people drinking coffee simultaneously. The record was achieved when over 1,000 attendees raised their cups and drank coffee together in a coordinated toast.

How does Café Bene use celebrity marketing?

Café Bene regularly partners with top Korean celebrities such as Han Ye-seul, Song Seung-heon, Kim Tae-hee, and Zhang Guoqiang to promote its brand. These partnerships help create high-visibility events that connect pop culture with the café’s lifestyle branding.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Fan Events

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