May 29 ------ Korean actor Hyun Bin, who plays Captain Ri in the blockbuster Netflix series “Crash Landing On You,” has sent social media into a frenzy with a video clip of what appears to be his first television commercial for a popular telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. The 10-second video teaser which showed Hyun in a sports car went viral when Smart Communications, Inc. uploaded the clip on its social media platforms with the caption “The Captain is coming. Watch out for the big RiVeal.”
Moments later on Twitter, Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman of the Board and President and CEO, confirmed that it was indeed Hyun on the video teaser. “Yes. Hyun Bin it is. Ad online and TV will breakout on Monday, June 1, around noon. Go go go Smart!” said Pangilinan in a tweet Wednesday afternoon. No words yet if Hyun will be coming over to Manila. Hyun joins the roster of local and international celebrities who have endorsed for Smart Communications, Inc. the past years. These celebrities include 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray, actors James Reid and Nadine Lustre, American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez, NBA player Jordan Clarkson, and Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.
Fans are amazed at how the TVC of the Korean actor was shot and completed despite the quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, including Manila and South Korea. Insiders for the telco company said that the firm will continue to uplift the spirits of Filipinos staying at home as it brings entertainment at the palm of their hands through the company’s effective connectivity. Hyun, 37, became a household name in Manila when he starred in the original Netflix series “Crash Landing On You” opposite Son Ye-Jin. “Crash Landing On You” tells the story of a South Korean heiress (Son) who accidentally landed in the forest of North Korea during a paragliding ride in Seoul. There she met Hyun who plays Captain Ri and they became lovers. The series is now one of the highest-rated cable series in South Korea.
Hyun earlier earned wide recognition when he starred in the popular series My Name is Kim Sam-soon in 2005. He also appeared in other popular series such as Secret Garden and Memories of the Alhambra. His movie credits include Confidential Assignment, The Swindlers, The Negotiation, Rampant and Late Autumn. “Crash Landing On You” has been nominated in seven categories in the 56h Baeksang Arts Awards this year: Best Drama, Best Director, Best Actor (Hyun), Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Screenplay. These days, Hyun is active in the fight against COVID-19 in South Korea.
In February, the actor became worried about the state of COVID-19 and was reported to have donated 200,000,000 won (P8.2 million) in the campaign against the pandemic in South Korea. A report by Koreaboo.com said that Hyun secretly donated to the Community Chest of Korea, a non-profit organization. But Hyun’s agency said that it is not aware of the actor’s donation. Reports said that Hyun requested the organization to keep quiet about it until he wrote a letter on Instagram.
Translated in English, Hyun wrote: “You might be spending day after day anxious and worrying over the Coronavirus disease 2019 which is occurring all over the world and throughout Asia including China and Japan as well as Korea. I’d like to ask after your health at least by writing to express my worry over whether the place you are at is safe; “Just as we’ve always overcome difficulties by cheering each other on despite difficult times, I hope the Coronavirus disease 2019 passes by as soon as possible; “I also appreciate those working tirelessly day and night to eradicate the virus, and I will cheer them on until the end. Furthermore, I sincerely wish the quick recovery of those suffering from its infection; “Again, I hope all those reading this are able to maintain their safety and health from the virus and I will pray this incident safely passes by.”
Source: entertainment.mb.com.ph