HYBE’s Secret Advantage: ILLIT Wonhee’s Successful CF Raises Questions

The K-pop world was filled with excitement on April 18, 2024, as news broke that ILLIT’s Wonhee had secured a highly sought-after commercial partnership with Pocari. This achievement marked a major milestone in her rapidly growing career.

For years, Pocari’s advertisements have been considered a symbolic tradition for female idols and famous personalities, with previous representatives including TWICE, Chuu, and Kim So Hyun.

Korean Netizens’ Reaction to the Latest K-pop Music Video

The announcement was met with applause from Korean netizens, who praised Pocari’s decision and expressed their admiration for Wonhee’s perfect fit for the brand.

ILLIT WONHEE — ILLIT WONNHEE(Photo : support)

Reviews on websites such as theqoo mirrored positive reactions and eagerness, commending Wonhee’s refreshing persona and the seamless synergy between her and Pocari.

Several of the remarks stated:

“She suits it.”

“Wow, daebaek LOL.”

“Her image really suits the Pocari CF.”

“They chose her so fast. She really stands out.”

“Wonhee is so cute.”

“She’s cute and fresh. She suits it.”

“Pocari is a sure bet….hahaha Well, originally, Pocari used a lot of new models and had the image of becoming a star. In the past, Han Ji-min and Lee Yeon-hee also modeled when they were barely known rookies. It’s already a solo ad, so there’s nothing really surprising about it haha.”

“I don’t think it’s common for a newcomer to do a solo ad instead of a group ad, but it’s interesting. Just looking at the case of ㅇㅅㅅ, which has only recently started doing solo ads, it seems like they only did group ads for the first three years.”

“It suits you well haha. Pocari Sweat these days, a lot of people say they feel like they are young, youthful, or students.”

International Controversy: HYBE Privilege Debate

Despite this, international audiences brought forth a distinct viewpoint, expressing worries about the perceived advantage that comes with debuting under HYBE Entertainment.

Despite recognizing that other entertainment companies hold sway, HYBE’s position as a conglomerate affords it distinct benefits.

Just weeks after ILLIT’s debut on March 25, 2024, Wonhee’s swift solo contract with Pocari sparked conversations about the state of the industry and potential prospects for new idols.

Despite groups like RIIZE also having early brand deals, the solo endorsement for Wonhee has caused discussions about image development and the consequences of affiliations in the competitive world of K-pop.

Uncommon Speed, Uncommon Debate

The quick endorsement deal for Wonhee represents a shift away from the usual schedule for idol endorsements, as artists typically prioritize group promotions before pursuing solo ventures.

The inclusion of “HYBE Privilege”in the conversation further complicates Wonhee’s success, shedding light on larger patterns and viewpoints within the K-pop industry regarding business endeavors.