One day when I was on my way to work, I can't help but notice that the billboards on EDSA are mostly graced by popular K-pop groups and K-drama actors. Homegrown brands tap more and more Korean stars to be their endorsers and this is just proof that there's no stopping the Hallyu wave—which has been widely successful in the Philippines for more than a decade.
That being said, we've listed the Korean celebrities who are promoting local brands *right now*:
Wi Ha Joon, Kim Seon Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop, ITZY, and Stray Kids for Bench
Bench has such an impressive list of Korean endorsers and you can always count on them to wittily announce their newest #GlobalBENCHSetter! In May last year, they revealed Squid Game star Wi Ha Joon as the *game-changer* for the brand.
By August, they confirmed Seonhohada's theories that Kim Seon Ho joined their lineup and it's right on a *romantic Sunday*!
Come November, Ahn Hyo Seop was announced as the face of the Bench Heritage Tees—a.k.a the *CEO that had us melting.*
And how can we forget Stray Kids' multiple endorsement materials for Bench? The K-pop boy group is so loved here in the PH, as seen by the number of Stays who screamed ~one four three, we love you~ at SM Mall of Asia Arena back in January!
MIDZYs, it's time to ~put your sneakers on~ because Lia, Chaeryeong, Yeji, Ryujin, and Yuna are returning to Manila! Catch ITZY at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 16 for their Wannabe With Bench fan meeting. Check out the seat plan + ticket prices here.
Lee Min Ho for SMDC
Say hello to the newest ~good guy~! Leading property developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC) recently signed Lee Min Ho for "Step into luxury," their latest advertising campaign. According to The King: Eternal Monarch star, he is honored to be a part of the SMDC family and that "it's very important for a person to have a space to call home."
Kim Soo Hyun and Cha Eun Woo for Dunkin' Philippines
There's really *nothing like* having Kim Soo Hyun and Cha Eun Woo as Dunkin' PH's brand ambassadors! On January 17, Soo Hyun met his fans at the Araneta Coliseum for a fan meet and answered questions about him—like the first thing he does in the morning and his fave Dunkin' donut flavor.
Earlier this week, Dunkin' Philippines shared that the rumors are ~true~: Eun Woo is their newest endorser! More materials are coming our way in the next weeks so go ahead and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Han So Hee and ENHYPEN for BYS Cosmetics Philippines
Two of the most popular Hallyu artists in South Korea are currently promoting BYS Cosmetics PH—which is one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the country. Fun fact: Han So Hee actually co-created BYS' lip nectar line and the little deets will remind you of her! When we asked about her favorite shade, the My Name actress said that it's Dragon Lily.
Last December, ENGENEs were ~feeling lucky~ when their fave K-pop group interacted with them at the Araneta Coliseum for a fan meeting. ENHYPEN even performed their song, "ParadoXXX Invasion"! We chatted with the members during their press prior to the fan meet, which you can read here.
Song Kang, Han So Hee, NCT Dream, and EXO's Chanyeol for Penshoppe
Song Kang joined Penshoppe as their endorser last February 2022. In our exclusive interview with him, the Korean actor talked about his fave items from the campaign shoot, what he typically wears whenever he hangs out with friends, and the meaning behind his Instagram username, @songkang_b!
Apart from being booked and busy as an actress, Han So Hee also has several endorsements which include Penshoppe.
NCT Dream has been representing Penshoppe since May 2022. That means that the boys have been a part of the local brand's various campaigns for almost a year already!
And the newest addition to Penshoppe's list of Korean celebrity endorsers is none other than EXO's Chanyeol! On Twitter, EXO-Ls were found screaming after they found out that he has a huuuuge billboard on EDSA in promotion of the brand.
