KstarAD

I have spent a long time on the front lines of advertising planning. As an advertising executive traversing the field and a trend-sensitive man in his 50s, I am always seeking new energy. In particular, the energy exuded in advertisements by artists who have successfully transitioned from K-pop idols to actors is a great source of inspiration for me. The video I am introducing today is Dong-A Otsuka’s new Oronamin C campaign, filled with just that kind of energy: the "Life is Momentum: A Rookie in the Field" episode featuring actress Kang Mina. ## The Casting Strategy of "Human Vitamin" Kang Mina as Seen by an Advertising Expert In advertising planning, model selection is not merely about considering recognition. It is a process of finding a persona that can most intuitively showcase the message the brand wishes to convey. In that sense, Ms. Kang Mina is a masterstroke for Oronamin C. She has already proven her burning passion and bright energy to K-pop fans as a me...

As a veteran in the field who has planned and executed countless advertising campaigns for 30 years, today I want to properly demonstrate the true power of Korean advertising to global K-culture fans. The video I will delve into this time is the Jeju Samdasu 2026 TV commercial, "Jeju Stratigraphy," featuring actress Park Bo-young. ## The Time of Jeju, and the Perspective of an Ad Professional As someone who has been creating advertisements for nearly 30 years, there is something I have been feeling particularly lately. Marketing trends change every day, consumers are becoming smarter, and technology is advancing at an unimaginable speed. However, amidst this upheaval, I never expected a single 15-second commercial to quietly stir my heart like this. The moment I first saw this video, I unconsciously found myself muttering, "Ah, this is it." This is because I instinctively felt that it was an advertisement that pierced the very essence of K-culture. ## The Essence of...

If I were to discuss the current advertising trends through the eyes of a 30-year advertising professional, I would unequivocally say it is "authenticity." Consumers now want a genuine message rather than flashy packaging. In that context, the Subway advertisement I am introducing today is a truly outstanding case. This campaign, featuring artist WOODZ, directly shatters the old prejudice that "salad leaves you hungry." ## The New Wave of K-Advertising That Global Fans Must Not Miss To be honest, when I first saw this ad, I laughed to myself in the conference room. The "chop chop chop chop" sound was stuck in my head and wouldn't leave for a long time. Although I have reviewed thousands of campaigns while working as an advertising executive, it had been a long time since I encountered such simple yet powerful sound branding. And above all, I couldn't wait to analyze just how strategic the choice to cast K-pop artist WOODZ as a model was. ## Why WOO...

After working in advertising for 30 years, there are some ads where you can tell at a glance, "This is something different." The teaser ad for Danggeun Market that I am introducing today was exactly like that. Featuring actor Park Bo-gum, this video conceals its identity from beginning to end, building viewers' curiosity to a peak. Then, at the final moment, it completely overturns our perception with an unexpected twist. ## The Textbook of Teaser Ads: The Courage to Hide Information When working at an advertising agency, clients mostly demand, "Please show us as much of our product as possible." It is a natural sentiment. No one wants to hide their brand when they are spending money. However, with my 30 years of experience, I am convinced that sometimes, hiding is more powerful. This Danggeun Market ad perfectly demonstrates that "aesthetics of hiding." Throughout the video, Park Bo-gum acts like the owner of a trendy cafe about to open, "organiz...

Having worked in advertising for 30 years and seen countless commercials, there are occasionally moments when I marvel, thinking, "This is truly well-made." The "Hanson Hankki NO BIN SON PROJECT" commercial starring actor Woo Do-hwan, which I will introduce today, is exactly one such case. Resembling a trailer for a spy movie, this ad delivers the simple message of "don't go around empty-handed" in the coolest and most stylish way possible. ## The Beginning of Genre-Crossing Ads To be honest, when I first saw this ad, I mistook it for a movie trailer. The tense music, the sharp cut editing, and Woo Do-hwan's intense gaze—everything followed the conventions of Hollywood spy films exactly. And that was precisely the ad's biggest winning strategy. Consumers these days, especially global fans who enjoy K-dramas and K-movies, dislike "ads that look like ads." On YouTube, they press the skip button after just five seconds, and on Instagram,...

## The Power of the Word ‘Jjin’ Having worked in advertising for 30 years, I’ve realized that consumers are becoming increasingly cynical about “exaggerated new products.” Copy like “It’s completely different” or “Revolutionary taste” now actually undermines credibility. However, the copy for this Mom’s Touch advertisement was different. “The delicious has become even more delicious”—this single phrase is truly honest and straightforward. It is because, without any grandiose expressions, it is a statement that anyone familiar with the original taste cannot help but relate to. The moment the members of LE SSERAFIM recited this copy, I felt an instinctive urge to think, “Ah, I want to try this.” The power of advertising lies precisely here: delivering words to consumers that do not feel like a lie. And it is surprising that this message resonates with global K-pop fans as well. Translated into English, it would be something like “The delicious got even more delicious,” but this very simp...

Having worked in advertising for 30 years, the biggest change I have noticed is this: advertising must now become "content," not "explanation." The Maxim Supreme Gold video "IVE Yujin's Choux~ Matcha Latte Recipe," which I will introduce today, is a prime example that clearly demonstrates this turning point. Although it is a short video, it serves as a textbook example of how a K-pop idol and a brand can naturally come together. ## Why Ahn Yujin? The Strategy for Model Selection In advertising, a model is not merely a face. They are a medium that expands the brand's worldview. IVE's Ahn Yujin is currently one of the icons in the global K-pop market who possesses the healthiest and brightest energy. She is charismatic on stage, friendly on variety shows, and displays lovable charm in her daily life. Maxim Supreme Gold is a brand aiming to shift the image of traditional coffee mixes from "coffee for the parents' generation" to a ...