[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: Some Like It Hot – Rinnai Heating Systems

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In my opinion, this is brilliant.  Was there really any question who would be best able to endorse a product that, well, generates heat?

Rain is the very definition (and essence) of hot so signing him on to endorse Rinnai Heating Systems was, on one hand, a no brainer, and on the other, another display of sheer marketing genius!

When I watched this ad, I was convinced the advertising team was made up solely of women!!  Let’s look at the evidence.

First, Rain walking with shirt open, the warm breeze on his skin.  Second, Rain casually sitting in his apartment as if he were inviting you in for a glass of wine.  (Yes, my imagination goes a bit wild sometimes when I watch him.)  Finally (and most importantly), Rain shirtless.  Rain shirtless taking a shower.  I repeat, Rain shirtless taking a shower.  Yep, there must…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: Ice Cream is My Chingu – Binggrae Ice Cream

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Imagine you are all of about 19 or 20 years old and have just spent the better part of your teenage years hungry, and hungry on several different levels.  Now imagine your manager comes up to you one day early in your career and asks, “Are you interested in doing a CF where you will probably have to eat ice cream all day?”  I am sure a very young and eager Rain did not hesitate in the least bit when answering that question and jumped right into endorsing Binggrae Ice Cream.  Oh my gosh….are you ready for some absolute adorably cute Rain???

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When I watched this CF my heart just burst with happiness.  Young, fresh and eager, I felt like Rain was calling out to me to join him for some ice cream on a hot summer day.  He has a natural and honest…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: Easy, Breezy, Steamy Goodness – KB Star Card (Part 2)

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Bless KB Financial for having the vision of letting Rain endorse their KB Star Card – sincerely and truly, bless you, KB Financial!  In this second installment, I’d like to visit 2 more CFs Rain gave us for KB Star Card.  As in the previous two, I guarantee you will see why Rain’s vast appeal truly does set him apart from other performers, Asian or otherwise – and why I continue to believe that no matter what the project, he approaches each with commitment, dedication, focus and fun!

In this fresh California skater-inspired spot, Rain throws on his magic t-shirt and bounces through the byways of Pomona, California.  Pomona, California?  Huh?  I first thought it could be Hermosa Beach because it looked familiar to me, as I lived in that area at one time.  But, the street signs visible during a portion of this…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: Send in the Clones – KB Star Card (Part 1)

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It is an ongoing delight to watch Rain endorse a product, isn’t it?

He truly does bring his very own special charm and style of promotion, regardless of product or concept.  Perhaps it is because, as an entertainer, he has to be a bit of a self-promoter himself in what is a very competitive business: show business. Maybe this gives him an edge as he truly understands the power of promotion and the necessity to be both honest and effective.  Think about it.  When Rain endorses something, he is not selling himself per se, but he is attaching himself to a product, goods, or service so he does have a certain responsibility as a representative of what he is endorsing.  I’m guessing Rain most probably knows this and that is why he approaches each project with respect and dedication.  In fact, these are two…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: SK Telecom’s 1-MM Magic

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These two very short clips really made me work because I had no idea what was going on and no idea what these ads were trying to promote.   I knew they had to have something to do with a mobile phone but still was left scratching my head.

When I discovered what these were all about, I thought the concept was really adorable.  And it is quite clear at this point who can rock the adorable pretty much all day, every day!  Rain is no stranger to the SK endorsement and I am sure I will bring you quite a few more as I continue with the series.  Here, Rain was helping SK promote 1-MM Service for their mobile subscribers.

Check out the first one and then I will explain.

So cute…right???  When I first watched this I was like….what??  But get this, SK…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: A “Lotte” Rain (Lotte Duty Free Shops)

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I have to warn you right now – if you are not already in full blown crush mode over Rain, this one will promptly put you there whether you like it or not!!  You’ve been warned so proceed at your own risk!

If you visit Seoul, you will no doubt be introduced to the wonderful world of Lotte.  The Lotte Company is a conglomerate of businesses that include everything from food products to housing, to finance and even amusement parks.  Big company. BIG! So naturally it can go all out and get the best of the best of the best to promote its goods and services.  And we all know who the best is.  Rain.

Lotte Duty Free Shops are department stores strewn throughout Seoul.  In my experience with them while I was in Seoul, it was like shopping at the airport – I…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: Roadtrippin’ – 1492 Miles

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You can spill it.  I know each one of you secretly (and some of you not so secretly) have or have had thoughts of a weekend getaway with Rain.  You know, where he picks you up early Saturday morning in his cute car with his cute dog and won’t tell you where you are going but just gives you that mischievous grin? Then, takes you by the hand, plops you in the passenger seat, buckles you in, and you both speed off into the horizon? Yeah, that thought!!  When the reality is you fire up Netflix or pop in a DVD and that romantic weekend getaway turns into a marathon of Young Jae, Kang Boku, Sang Doo or Ji Woo.  By the way, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that scenario whatsoever!  I will never diss the drama marathon, especially one of the Rain…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: A BMW, Bullets and a Broken Heart.

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When was the last time a commercial made you cry?  Has one ever made you cry?  Maybe this one might push you to the verge of waterworks just a little bit, especially if you are a hopeless romantic like me and you adore Rain.

One of the best discoveries I have made since falling down the K-rabbit hole is the commercial film (CF).  In my opinion, these mini-productions are given the same care, attention and importance as any film or drama.  I love that dedication and respect for this particular genre in Asia – it is art after all.  The extended commercial films are pure entertainment and marketing gold.  My first (and don’t condemn on this) was Lee Min Ho’s The One and Only for Toyota. I was blown away.  I thought to myself, this is brilliant marketing.  Not only that, what…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: Dancing in the Bidanbi Rain

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Contemplating Rain’s early years continues to hold me in complete awe of his many accomplishments.  His endless capacity to muscle through the difficult times is a true testament not only to his strength and fortitude, but to his core belief that he was capable of being everything he dreamt of being and more.  I think this is something he carries with him to this day, and has always carried with him.  It is what fuels him.

It is no wonder then that in 2002, the same year he debuted as a solo artist, he began his endorsement onslaught in Asia.  All I can say is this: if I were quietly sitting in my living room watching the latest K-drama and the following CF came on my television screen, I would have probably sit straight up and screamed…..noogooseyo???  The opening scene of…

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[series] Rain’s World of Endorsements: FuMa-licious!

I like to write about Rain….does it show? ♥♥

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Fuma2Is it just me, or does Rain look delectably and deliciously happy when he is eating?  I cannot imagine him ever turning down an opportunity to endorse food – especially something sweet!

Back in 2007, Rain signed on to endorse FuMa Cakes in China.  Generally, it seems that in Asia signing on for an endorsement is a big deal, like in press conference big deal.  Unlike here in the States, I believe a lucrative endorsement in Asia is indeed a celebrated event complete with press (obviously) and perhaps even some champagne.  Fijan Fuma Foods Group was clearly happy with Rain on board for this campaign.  Golden boy meets golden snack cakes?  Yep, that works!

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[Fangirl Footnote:  Isn’t he so perfectly handsome in that chocolate sweater and tortoise-shell framed glasses?]

Decked in white, ethereal and angelic, I love the way he moves throughout…

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