Photo: Handout
Actor Son Suk-ku (pic) was the most visible star on South Korean TV screens in 2024, generating nearly 7 billion ad impressions across multiple industries, according to an annual report from a local data analytics firm.
The actor, who shot to fame in A Killer Paradox (2024) and the critically acclaimed My Liberation Notes (2022), appeared in a wide range of commercials spanning health supplements, instant noodles and automotive sectors.
Rising star Go Yoon-jung claimed second place with 6.64 billion impressions. The actress, known for her roles in Moving (2023) and Alchemy Of Souls (2022), was particularly visible in food and financial sector ads.
Actor Namgoong Min, meanwhile, secured third place at 6.49 billion impressions. His appearance in Black Knight (2023) and One Dollar Lawyer (2022) translated into strong commercial appeal, particularly in financial services.
Action star Ma Dong-seok, the blunt force cop of The Roundup franchise, made the top five. Cha Eun-woo, recognised for both his K-pop idol career and consistently ranked as one of Korea's most good-looking celebrities, shared the most diverse portfolio, representing 13 different brands, alongside singer IU.
Premier League superstar Son Heung-min and K-pop girl group IVE's An Yu-jin each represented 11 brands, while industry veteran Lee Hyori and K-pop idol-turned-actor Im Si-wan managed 10 each.
Health and medical advertisements dominated the industry breakdown, accounting for 24% of total impressions. TV personality and MC Kim Sung-joo led this category, while Go Yoon-jung and Son Suk-ku dominated the food and beverages sector.
The household products category saw strong representation from global phenomenon BTS and actor Park Bo-gum.
The data was drawn from 9.5 million IPTV streaming boxes that provide internet-connected entertainment services, tracking real-time commercial exposure across South Korean television networks. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network