Former actor seeks global sales of Muglids

K&Lab CEO Kim Sung-il holds a coffee cup with his invention Muglid. / Korea Times

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Former actor Kim Sung-il used to enjoy drinking coffee while driving.

One day, his tongue and lips were burnt when too much hot coffee poured into his mouth.

That is when he decided to invent a silicone lid that can protect the tongue from scalding while not affecting the aroma of fresh coffee.

“It’s impossible to taste and smell coffee properly with existing coffee cup lids used in Korea,” Kim said. “It is also sometimes dangerous to use those lids.”

His invention, called “Muglid,” is gaining popularity among coffee lovers.

His company, K&Lab, has signed contracts with CJ Foodville’s Twosome Place to provide the Muglids. K&Lab is also negotiating with another coffee shop chain, Holly’s Coffee.

Kim is also targeting overseas markets.

His lid design has been granted patents in about 30 countries including the United States, China and Japan.

“I hope I can sign deals with multinational coffee shop franchises,” Kim said.

Despite this success story, Kim’s past has often been anything but successful.

Kim, 53, started as an actor 33 years ago.

“I was in show business for about 15 years playing numerous roles,” he said. But he wanted to be a successful businessman, so he set up audio and automobile businesses.

He went bankrupt and was left with a huge debt.

“I had a nightmare,” said Kim. “Creditors and loan sharks visited me every day to demand repayment. I couldn’t because I had no money.

“I mopped floors, worked in nightclubs, and drove for drunk people.”

As soon as his debts were reduced under a court program, he started the Muglid business.

“I always dreamed of doing something I can be proud of,” said Kim. “I wasn’t very helpful to my family, friends and colleagues when I was in a miserable situation. Now, I would like to be someone they can depend on,” he said.