K-Pop idols push Korean cosmetics
It is no secret that Korean cosmetics are among the best in the world, and many high-profile brands are actively using Hallyu stars, including singers, actors, and members of idol groups, to tap into the Asian region and beyond. The Face Shop, Tony Moly, Etude House, Missha, Skinfood, The Saem, A'pieu, and Innisfree are among the brands that use celebrity endorsers.
Many Filipino fans know that Kim Hyun Joong is the main face of The Face Shop. After a series of CFs featuring himself and beautiful yet nameless models (except for one with Park Min Young), Kim Hyun Joong now has a partner with similar name and face recognition--Girls' Generation's Seohyun!
The innocent singer, who was previously "married" to CNBLUE lead singer Jung Yonghwa in the popular MBC television series "We Got Married," is one of Girls Generation's most popular members. The pairing of Kim Hyun Joong and Seohyun seems to work well for The Face Shop, which has several stores throughout Asia and even the US. In their first CF together as a couple, Hyun Joong and Seohyun promote products from The Face Shop's Arsainte Eco-Therapy products, displaying humor and warmth as they end up picking up the same product at one of The Face Shop's branches.
Not to be outdone by her colleague Seohyun, fellow Girls' Generation singer Yoona has signed up for Korean cosmetic brand Innisfree to promote the all-natural brand's new honey serum. Yoona, who is known for maintaining her flawless skin despite her demanding schedule, used the serum for weeks leading into the photo shoot, and according to company representatives, there was virtually no need to retouch her photos because her skin was absolutely gorgeous. The honey serum's special organic ingredients, which lend to unparalleled skin moisture and elasticity, may have helped a bit.
Meanwhile, popular actor, singer and MC Lee Seung Gi, known for his starring roles on "Shining Inheritance" and "My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox," has partnered with Korean girl group After School for a CF for The Saem's fermented tea serum, which purportedly has a refreshing and moisturizing effect on the skin. Company representatives say the combination of After School, known for their chic fashion and edgy music, and Seung Gi, whose boyish charms and soft charisma are universally known, would easily win people to The Saem's product. After School leader Kahi noted The Saem is the group's first cosmetics CF.
Finally, A'pieu, which has been using actress Park Eun Bin for quite some time, recently signed up popular idol group B2ST to help promote their line of products. According to company representatives, A'pieu's target market, ladies in their late teens to early 20s, will appreciate the many talents and charms of B2ST. To quote "They do not only sing, but they write their own songs, act in dramas, and appear on variety shows. They can showcase both a pure and sensitive image and intense masculine charisma, which will match A'pieu's pure and innocent 20s concept." The boys of B2ST are currently shooting their first A'pieu CF with Park Eun Bin.
Who, do you think, is the most effective CF endorser? Share your thoughts through our comment box.
Catherine Deen blogs for Yahoo! Philippines OMG! She lives, eats and breathes Korean music, cuisine, telenovelas, and pop culture. Follow her on Twitter @cathsdeen.
