Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
Korean Idols Appear in Ads for Global and Chinese Brands in China
Ads featuring popular Korean idols are spreading in China.
The trend now includes Western brands such as McDonald’s and Unilever, as well as Chinese brands.
In Shanghai, a McDonald’s ad features BIGBANG member G-Dragon holding a burger.
Korean brands had already used Korean idols in China, but the practice is now reaching a wider range of companies.
The change comes as China-South Korea relations improve after a period of strain.
The growing use of Korean stars in ads reflects that warmer relationship, though no further developments are described.
Advertising featuring popular South Korean idols is spreading in China.
The trend has expanded beyond South Korean brands to include Western brands.
Chinese brands have also begun using South Korean idols as public faces, amid improving relations between China and South Korea.
A McDonald’s advertisement in Shanghai features BIGBANG member G-Dragon holding a hamburger.
- Who
- South Korean idols, including BIGBANG’s G-Dragon.
- What
- They are appearing in advertisements for global and Chinese brands in China.
- When
- The article was published on October 24, 2026 UTC.
- Where
- China, including Shanghai.
- Why
- The article links Chinese brands’ use of South Korean idols to improving relations between China and South Korea.
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- Featured idol
- G-Dragon of BIGBANG
- Ad location
- Shanghai
- Brands mentioned in headline
- McDonald’s and Unilever
- Trend
- South Korean idols appearing in ads for Western and Chinese brands in China