드라마 ‘별에서 온 그대’로 중국 내 뜨거운 인기몰이를 하고 있는 김수현과 전지현이 중국에서 ‘장백산’ 생수의 모델이 됐다고 알려져 네티즌들의 공분을 사고 있다.
최근 김수현과 전지현은 중국 ‘헝다그룹’의 생수 광고 모델로 나섰다. ‘백두산 광천수’로 만든 제품으로 알려졌는데, 문제는 생수 취수원이 중국 동북공정의 일환으로 ‘백두산’이 아닌 ‘장백산’으로 표기되어 있는 것. 네티즌들은 김수현과 전지현이 백두산이아니라 ‘장백산’ 생수 제품의 모델이 됐다며 분노하고 있다.
김수현 소속사 키이스트 측 관계자는 “지금은 어떠한 말도 논란이 될 수 있기 때문에 조심스럽다”며 “당초 광고 계약을 맺을 때는 ‘헝다생수’라는 상품명만 알고 있었다. 관련 내용은 중국 측에서도 면밀히 검토하고 있다”고 강조했다.
소속사 측은 “촬영은 지난 주 끝마쳤다. 광고는 영상이 아닌 지면 촬영만 진행했다”고 했다.
김수현 전지현 장백산 생수 광고에 네티즌들은 “김수현 전지현, 제대로 하길” “김수현 전지현, 위기네” 등의 반응을 보였다. (onlinenews@heraldcorp.com)
Kim Soo-hyun seals 35 commercial ad deals
Actor Kim Soo-hyun, who stole the hearts of fans in Asia, also caught the eyes of international advertising firms, setting a staggering record with a total of 35 commercial deals this year.
According to a local advertising expert, Kim has recently filmed 15 commercials in South Korea, showing his strength as an “ad powerhouse.”
“It is unusual for one celebrity to appear in over 15 ads. Because similar products in the same field normally don’t go for the same model during the same period of time,” the expert said, explaining Kim’s high stature as a celebrity.
Since Kim jumped to stardom with the success of the drama series “Moon Embracing the Sun” in 2012, he has had some ups and downs. Following the drama series “My Love from the Star” Kim’s popularity took flight outside of Korea.
International business firms such as Coca-Cola, Tencent Holdings and Aokang Group, mainly targeting Chinese consumers, have sealed advertising deals.
Industry giants’ efforts to catch Kim have also been out of the ordinary. Coca-Cola China lifted item restrictions to host Kim while Aokang Group, China’s largest shoemaking enterprise, sent a private jet to invite Kim to one of the group’s promotional events.
Due to Kim’s growing popularity in Asia, he has even had to turn down some offers.
“We had additional firms that sent love calls to shoot commercials with them. But we are refraining from them (filming advertisements) for his next script and public image,” Kim’s management company, Keyeast Entertainment, said.
According to the management agency, Kim is carefully studying scripts so that he can return to the screen with a fine piece of work.
Meanwhile, the “Commercial King” made $294,406 in donations with his advertising income for the victims of Sewol ferry disaster that left 304 passengers dead or missing. He has also raised $196,270 for children in China.
By Ha Ji-won, Intern reporter (jiwonha@heraldcorp.com)