Celebrity Life

Just around two months after director Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed Korean TV show Squid Game will have a second season, Netflix made it official that not only is the hit series making a return but also becoming much wider in scope.

According to The Verge, when Netflix Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos was asked by Nidhi Gupta of Fidelity Management and Research at the fourth-quarter earnings call if Squid Game will get another season, he said, “Absolutely! The Squid Game universe has just begun,”.

What we know so far about Squid Game season 2

A franchise in the making

According to Variety, Sarandos’ confirmation places the acclaimed South Korean survival drama in the category of Netflix’s other highly successful franchises that have expanded into merchandise and games.

In fact, Squid Game is the No.1 show for Netflix, as it garnered 1.65 billion hours of viewing in the first 28 days following its premiere on 17 September 2021.

Recently, Netflix’s Vice President of Content (Korea) Don Kang said in a statement that Squid Game was the most-viewed Korean show in 94 countries, and 95 percent of the viewership came from outside Korea.

What show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk said

Speaking to Associated Press (AP) at a screening event for the drama in Los Angeles on 9 November 2021, the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, said that pressure to create a second season has left him with no other option.

“So, there’s been so much pressure, so much demand and so much love for a second season. So, I almost feel like you leave us no choice!” said Hwang, as translated by AP from Korean.

COMEBACK SQUID: Hwang Dong-hyuk, the director, creator, writer of #SquidGame says the show will be back with more Gi-hun adventures. pic.twitter.com/uqC1DIdZqy

— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) November 9, 2021

“But I will say there will indeed be a second season. It’s in my head right now. I’m in the planning process currently,” he added.

“But I do think it’s too early to say when and how that’s going to happen. So, I will promise you this…Gi-hun will come back. He’ll do something for the world,” he said.

According to Hwang, Lee Jung-jae, who plays the lead character of Seong Gi-hun or Player 456, in the series, will return.

Accolades pouring in for Squid Game

The show has been making history in the awards circuit since the start of 2022.

It was nominated for three Golden Globe awards this year, including best TV drama and best actor in a television drama for Lee Jung-jae. O Yeong-su won the Golden Globe for best supporting actor.

At the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Squid Game became the first non-English-language series and first Korean series to earn a nomination. Other than Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, it has been nominated for best actor in drama (Lee jung-jae), best actress in drama (for HoYeon Jung) and best performance by a stunt ensemble in television.

It has also won the Gotham Award for Breakthrough Series – Long Form.

What could Squid Game season 2 comprise?

The first season shows 456 people in dire need of money participating in a deadly tournament for the winning prize of KRW 45.6 billion. Losing a game in the tournament results in a participant’s death.

Lee Jung-jae’s character eventually emerges as the winner in the first season, which ended on a cliffhanger. This is why fans can now expect to see more of the antagonist, Front Man, played by the acclaimed South Korean superstar Lee Byung-hun.

(Main and Featured images: Netflix)

The post As Awards Pour in, Netflix Confirms ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Buoyed by the stupendous success of its shows, such as Kingdom and Squid Game, Netflix is now going all-in on Korean content this year. The long list of Korean shows and films on Netflix for 2022 is proof of that.

In a statement, Don Kang, Netflix’s vice president of content (Korea), said that viewing hours of the Korean shows of the streaming platform grew six-fold in 2021 compared to 2019.

Leading the pack, Squid Game was the most viewed Korean show in 94 countries and 95 percent of the viewership came from outside Korea.

Kang said that Hellbound, which followed Squid Game last year, recorded 43.48 million viewing hours for its premiere.

“Hellbound was among the Top 10 Netflix Shows in 93 countries and ranked number one in 34 countries. Sci-fi mystery The Silent Sea also made it to the number one spot on the weekly non-English Top 10 lists for its premiere,” Kang said.

“We believe this is a slate that showcases more of the inventive and gripping Korean storytelling that the world has come to love. To do that, we will continue to invest in Korea’s creative ecosystem and, together, we will keep on showing the world that ‘Made in Korea’ means ‘Well-Made’,” Kang said.

A look at the upcoming Korean shows and films on Netflix in 2022

Netflix released over 130 Korean titles from 2016 to 2021. In 2022, the American streaming platform is bringing in a gamut of shows and movies, expanding is library of K-content.

First on the list is All of Us Are Dead, which will premiere on 28 January. The show’s teaser was released on 31 December 2021, and it is about a zombie outbreak in a high school.

Then there is Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, a remake of Netflix’s acclaimed Spanish series Money Heist. It is one of the most anticipated shows in Korean entertainment.

Among the upcoming Netflix Korean films are action blockbuster Seoul Vibe, which stars the brilliant Yoo Ah-in of Hellboy fame, and romantic drama 20th Century Girl, starring Kim You-jung — one of the finest actresses in South Korea.

SERIES

All of Us Are Dead, 28 January

Directed by: Lee JQ, Kim Nam-su

Starring: Yoon Chan-young, Park Ji-hu, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee You-mi, Lim Jae-hyeok

Overview: The series is about students trapped in a school amid a zombie virus outbreak who later join hands to fight for survival. All of Us Are Dead is based on a popular webtoon by Joo Dong-geun. The horrific visuals of students infected by the mysterious zombie virus and stunning action set in various parts of the school are a must-watch.

Twenty Five, Twenty One, 12 February

Directed by: Jung Jeehyun

Starring: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Ji Yeon, Choi Hyun Wook, Lee Ju Myung

Overview: A drama of youths who lost their dream to the zeitgeist of 1998. It revolves around five friends and their love, friendships, hardships and growth.

Forecasting Love and Weather, 12 February

Directed by: Cha Young Hun

Starring: Park Min Young, Song Kang, Yoon Bak, Yura

Overview: A cheerful romance drama of people at the Korea Meteorological Administration who break, fall and get back on their feet every day. The story follows Jin Ha-kyung (Park Min Young), who decides never to commit to an office romance after a brutal break-up. But Jin again enters a relationship with a newcomer in the team, Lee Si-woo (Song Kang), who is different but attractive in his own way.

Thirty Nine, 16 February

Directed by: Kim Sang-ho

Starring: Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Ji-hyun

Overview: Thirty Nine is a down-to-earth life and romance drama that delves into the friendship, love and life of three friends who are about to turn 40. A coincidence in their high school years brought the three together to become BFFs. One fine day, when they are all 39, life takes a turn for the worse and they have to get ready for goodbye.

Juvenile Justice

Directed by: Hong Jong-chan

Starring: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Moo-yeol, Lee Sung-min, Lee Jung-Eun.

Overview: Juvenile Justice deals with a judge who dislikes juvenile delinquents, to only later realise the troubles children face in society and how society is circumventing them to become better people. Kim Hye-soo (Hyena, Signal) plays Sim Eun-seok — the charismatic judge newly appointed to a district with the highest juvenile delinquency — who makes unorthodox decisions to existing judgments. She later tries to send a message that society is also responsible for juveniles' immoral and illicit acts.

Tomorrow

Directors: Kim Tae-Youn, Sung Chi-Wook

Starring: Kim Hee-seon, Rowoon, Lee Soo-hyuk

Overview: The grim reapers who used to escort the dead now save those who want to die. An afterlife fantasy drama, Tomorrow depicts how a long-time unemployed person accidentally bumps into grim reapers on a special mission and becomes a contract worker at their Crisis Management Team to help them on their mission.

The Sound of Magic

Directed by: Kim Sung-youn

Starring: Ji Chang-wook, Choi Sung-eun, Hwang In-youp

Overview: The Sound of Magic is based on the popular webtoon Annarasumanara. It is a touching drama about Yoon Ah-yi (Choi Sung-eun), a girl who had to grow up too fast, and Rieul (Ji Chang-wook), a mysterious magician who — although grown-up — wants to remain as a kid.

Remarriage and Desires

Directed by: Kim Jung-Min

Starring: Kim Hee-Seon, Lee Hyun-Wook, Jung Eugene, Park Hoon, Cha Ji-Yeon

Overview: Remarriage & Desires is a satire of Korean society governed by desire. Set at the exclusive matchmaking agency catering to the top echelons of society, ambitious souls hope to upgrade their status by marrying or remarrying into the ranks of the elite. They aspire to nab someone from the “Black” tier, the highest group, consisting of the top 0.001 percent of the population.

A Model Family

Directed by: Kim Jin-woo

Starring: Jung Woo, Park Hee-soon, Yoon Jin-seo, Park Ji-yeon

Overview: A Model Family is about a man who is on the brink of bankruptcy and divorce, stumbling upon a car loaded with cash. The incident has him crossing paths with the second-in-command of a drug organisation.

Glitch

Directed by: Roh Deok

Starring: Jeon Yeo-been, NANA

Overview: Glitch tells the story of a girl who attempts to track down her missing boyfriend with the help of members of a UFO club. In the process, she comes face to face with a secret.

The Accidental Narco (WT)

Directed by: Yoon Jong-bin

Starring: Ha Jung-woo, Hwang Jung-min, Park Hae-soo, Jo Woo-jin, Yoo Yeon-seok, Chang Chen

Overview: Based on real-life events, The Accidental Narco is about an ordinary entrepreneur who has no choice but to risk his life in joining the secret mission of government agents to capture a Korean drug lord. The Accidental Narco marks director Yoon Jong-bin’s first foray into series and collaboration with Netflix.

The Fabulous

Directed by: Kim Jeong-hyeon

Starring: Chae Soo-bin, Choi Min-ho

Overview: A highly realistic romance that explores the dreams, love and friendship of young people who devote their lives to working in the fashion industry, where fashion often means passion.

Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area

Directed by: Kim Hong-sun

Starring: Yoo Ji-tae, Kim Yunjin, Park Hae-soo, Jun Jong-seo, Lee Won-jong, Park Myung-hoon, Kim Seung-o, Kim Ji-hun, Jang Yoon-ju, Lee Joobeen, Lee Hyun-woo, Kim Ji-hoon, Lee Kyu-ho

Overview: Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area narrates a genius strategist and his talented crew composed of top-class thieves, attempting to pull off an unprecedented heist in the Korean Peninsula.

Love to Hate You

Directed by: Kim Jeong-kwon

Starring: Kim Ok-vin, Yoo Teo, Kim Ji-hun, Go Won-hee

Overview: Love to Hate You is about the warlike relationship between a woman who hates losing to men and a man frantically suspicious of women. Both later discover life remedies behind their opposite characteristics.

Somebody

Directed by: Jung Ji-woo

Starring: Kim Young-kwang, Kang Hae-lim, Kim Yong-ji, Kim Su-yeon

Overview: A murder case around a social dating app entangles the developer of the app and her friends. This marks director Jung Ji-woo’s first venture into series and collaboration with Netflix.

Black Knight

Directed by: Cho Ui-seok

Starring: Kim woo-bin, Kang you-seok, Esom

Overview: The series is set in 2071, where people depend on respirator masks to breathe. Only one percent of the human race has survived, and a strict social stratification has been established in the deserted lands of the Korean Peninsula. Delivery drivers play a crucial role within this system. For refugees, becoming a delivery driver is their only hope for survival. 

Business Proposal (tentative)

Director: Park Seon Ho

Starring: Ahn Hyo-Seop, Kim Se Jeong, Seol In A, Kim Min Gue, Lee Duck Hwa

Overview: An office romance drama, Business Proposal, is based on a globally famous web novel and webtoon of the same name. An average employee Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se Jeong) goes on a blind date in her friend’s stead as a sassy girl, only to find the date to be the CEO of her company, Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-Seop). Following their encounter, they struggle to keep their emotions in check at the office.

FILMS

Love and Leashes, 11 February

Directed by: Park Hyun-jin

Starring: Seo Hyun, Lee Jun-Young, EL

Overview: A man with a unique taste and a woman who stumbles upon his secret get into a romantic relationship. This marks Seo Hyun’s first film.

Yaksha: Ruthless Operations

Directed by: Na Hyun

Starring: Sul Kyung-gu, Park Hae-soo, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Yang Dong-keun, EL, Song Jae-lim, Park Jin-young

Overview: A breathtaking spy action thriller, Yaksha: Ruthless Operations is a film about a merciless man known as “Yaksha” who crosses paths with a prosecutor on a special inspection mission in Shenyang, China.

Carter

Directed by: Jung Byung-gil

Starring: Joo Won

Overview: Carter is an original film about an agent suffering from memory loss who is thrown into the middle of a mysterious mission.

Seoul Vibe

Directed by: Moon Hyun-sung

Starring: Yoo Ah-in, Ko Kyung-Pyo, Lee kyoo-hyung, Park Ju-hyun, Ong Seong-wu

Overview: The action blockbuster movie Seoul Vibe revolves around a team known as Sangedong Supreme, which tries to unearth corruption while the world has its eyes on the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

20th Century Girl

Directed by: Bang Woo-ri

Starring: Kim You-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Jung-woo, Roh Yoon-seo

Overview: 20th Century Girl is a romantic film set in 1999. In the last year of the 20th century, a 17-year-old girl finds her first love — a sweet, pure but heartbreaking relationship. Years later, in the 21st century, news about her first love revives her teenage romance she thought she had forgotten.

JUNG_E

Directed by: Yeon Sang-ho

Starring: Kang Soo-youn, Kim Hyun-joo, Ryu Kyung-soo

Overview: A desolate Earth in the 22nd century that is no longer inhabitable due to climate change is the setting for this film. Amid the chaos, an internal war breaks out in the shelter built for human survival. Victory — meaning the end of the war — now hinges on finding a way to clone the legendary mercenary JUNG_E into a scalable robot. The film is one of the most anticipated because of director Yeon Sang-ho, whose works include Train to Busan, Peninsula and Hellbound.

Unscripted Show

Celeb Five: Behind the Curtain

Directed by: Kim Joo-hyung, Go Min-seok

Starring: Celeb Five (Kim Shin-young, Song Eun-i, Shin Bong-seon, An Young-mi)

Overview: A fake documentary, Celeb Five: Behind the Curtain takes a peek into how Celeb Five (Kim Shin-young, Song Eun-yi, Shin Bong-sun and Ahn Young-mi) goes on marathons of ideation meetings to plan an amazing stage after being offered a solo show on Netflix. Their behind-the-stage work, more ingenious and hilarious than the on-stage show itself, provides incessant laughter and fun.

Stream soon on Netflix

(Main and Featured images: Netflix)

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There's no better way to mark the occasion than with good food — and lots of it. Here's our pick of the best Chinese New Year luxury puddings and treats.

With the start of the new lunar year just around the corner, stock up on the best desserts on offer. Turnip puddings (also called radish cakes) are traditional Chinese dim sum snacks, commonly served in Cantonese yum cha. Don't underestimate the small dish — in Cantonese, its name “leen goh” or “loh bak goh” is a homophone for “year higher”, ushering in new heights of prosperity for the coming year.

And we adore the Chinese New Year chuen hup, or traditional candy box, portion of the holiday. A bright red circular box set enticingly open upon coffee tables, filled with all kinds of sweet and savoury treats — it's a time-honoured custom, along with the coconut and turnip puddings. Each neat little segment houses a treat with an auspicious meaning of its own: lotus seeds are symbolic signs of improved fertility; lotus root, of love; tangerines and kumquats sound phonetically similar to "gold"; melon seeds to money and wealth. Chocolate coins, well, are coins.

To celebrate new beginnings and the new year, we've compiled the best Chinese New Year luxury puddings and treats for you and your loved ones to welcome the Year of the Tiger with.

The Best Chinese New Year Luxury Puddings and Treats

China Tang

China Tang's artisan Chinese New Year puddings are a modern take on the classic recipe, serving up two whole new flavours to welcome the Year of the Tiger: a turnip pudding with dried tiger prawn and local preserved meat and a handmade rice pudding with Taiwanese brown sugar and purple rice. Both are crafted by executive chef Menex Cheung and dim sum chef Mok Wing Kwai, and come in these stunning gift boxes decorated with China Tang’s signature Narcissus pattern — symbolizing grace and fortune. You can order the puddings and pick them up from the restaurant.

China Tang Landmark, Shop 411-413, 4/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2522 2148

Duddell’s

Michelin-starred Duddell's selection of Chinese New Year puddings is a trio of classic favourite flavours: turnip (HK$348), taro (HK$348) and a "New Year" Pudding (HK$298). Pick up one, all three, or a gift set including the restaurant's signature X.O. Sauce. It's all packaged in a specially designed gift box created in collaboration with G.O.D. (Goods of Desire), with an ornate hand-drawn pattern typical of the embellishments found on Chinese teacups and soup bowls, a nod to its Hong Kong heritage. You can purchase at the restaurant or order online for delivery — find out more here.

We also love the look of the "Prosperous New Year Hamper", stocked with six traditional delicacies: a new year pudding; braised South African 5 head abalone with Duddell’s Abalone Sauce; a signature X.O. Sauce; homemade walnut cookies; Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Yellow Label Brut, Champagne; and Fook Ming Tong Fuding Jasmine Mao Feng Tea.

Duddell’s, 1 Duddell Street, Central; +852 2525 9191

Godiva

To no one's surprise, it's all about the chocolates at Godiva. The Belgian chocolatier has drawn up a new motif for the Year of the Tiger, auspicious red and gold packaging printed with swimming koi and a tiger portrait set amongst crackling fireworks as a symbolic image of wealth. For the chocolates, the bijou creations feature the same lucky tiger motif over the surface and are packed in three distinct flavours: Raspberry Orange White chocolate, Pecan Praliné Milk chocolate and 85% Dark Ganache chocolate. Order before 31 January to enjoy special offers including free gifts, including a complimentary box of chocolates, or 10% off any purchase of HK$688. Find out more and order here.

Godiva, various locations across Hong Kong

Little Bao

Little Bao is paying tribute to lucky colour red with a beetroot turnip cake, replacing turnip with fresh beetroot for a natural bold red cake. Ingredients include Sam Hing Lung rose wine sausages, Thai dried shrimp and natural seasoning for extra-healthy eating. You can also opt for the taro cake, made with Okinawan sweet potato and fresh taro for an extra soft and pillowy texture, and also to help boost the immune system. You can order them and more here.

Little Bao, 1-3 Shin Hing Street, Central; +852 6794 8414

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is celebrating the new lunar year with traditional Chinese recipes, serving up three classic puddings — a savoury Chinese Turnip Cake with Conpoy made from Chinese sausage and Jinhua ham; a sweet Coconut Pudding with Gold Leaf decorated with golden leaf glutinous rice and coconut milk; and a Water Chestnut Cake filled with crunchy water chestnut pieces. Bottles of homemade XO Chilli Sauce are also available to order. You can find out more here.

Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, No. 3 Canton Road, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 2118 7283

Ming Court

Located inside Cordis, Michelin-starred Ming Court is offering an array of festive treats to ring in the Lunar New Year. Executive Chef Li Yuet Faat has prepared three auspicious puddings: a coconut Chinese New Year Pudding; an abalone, conpoy, and air-dried preserved meat and turnip pudding; and a red date and coconut pudding. Go for the deluxe Chinese New Year hamper, with a coconut pudding, homemade XO sauce, South African premium 12 head abalone and more. You can order it here.

Ming Court, Level 6, 555 Shanghai Street, Cordis, Mong Kok, Kowloon; +852 3552 3301 

Rosewood Hong Kong

Rosewood Hong Kong is offering an array of Chinese New Year sets for gifting, featuring everything from traditional puddings to homemade XO sauce, festive candies, afternoon tea sets and more. Don't miss the well-wishes themed hampers: Harvest (HK$9,988), Fortune (HK$3,388), and Joy (HK$2,288) — for every CNY hamper purchased, Rosewood will donate 5% of the proceeds to support ImpactHK and their work to support those experiencing homelessness in Hong Kong. Find out more here.

We also love the clever Chinese New Year advent calendar from Rosewood — rather than counting down, you count on from the first day of the lunar calendar into the new Year of the Tiger. The whole set holds 15 special treats from the hotel, one for each day of the Chinese traditional holiday that lasts for two weeks. Tug open the jewel-toned drawers to discover a selection of delicious snacks from fortune cookies and egg rolls to XO sauce, palmiers, nougats, ginger candies and crunchy peanut bites. Much better than your usual melon seeds. You can order it here.

Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 3891 8732

Paul Lafayet

No crème brulée from Paul Lafayet this Chinese New Year. What you can get, though, is the patisserie's Lucky Tiger Gift Box with French illustrator Emilie Sarnel's hand drawing of two dancing tigers. The gift box set pulls open to reveal three different tiers featuring a whole afternoon experience: “Cookirons" — a cookie-based iteration of the brand's famous macaron; jasmine and hojicha tea tins with pots of honey in the second and a special fine bone china porcelain dish at the base to hold it all. The plate is specially tailored to the Year of the Tiger, featuring a sketch of two smiling tigers amongst a flowery meadow filled with macarons. You can order it online here.

Paul Lafayet, various locations across Hong Kong

Saicho

So this might not fit into traditional Chinese candy boxes, but it will still sit very prettily amongst red-adorned decor around the home. For the Year of the Tiger, Saicho has launched a very special creation of only 900 bottles — Eight Immortals — featuring the special Dan Cong Oolong tea grown atop Phoenix Mountain's Tian Liao village in Guangdong. From harvest to roast and rolling, the Dan Cong Oolong leaves are looked after by a qualified tea master. The result is a fragrant blend that adheres to the leaves' distinct complexity: bright notes of ginger mango and tangerine that rounds into a bitterness, then herbal, the likes of anise, fennel and tarragon. With Eight Immortals' earthy savouriness, Saicho recommends pairing with traditional Chinese New Year dishes including Chinese steamed fish and tang yang (glutinous rice dumplings). You can shop Saicho's Chinese New Year selection here.

Smith & Sinclair

Candy box fillings will be extra exciting with the addition of Smith & Sinclair treats, they're made after your favourite tipples! The UK-based brand crafts vegan-friendly gummies — or "Edible Cocktails" — from anything, including classic Gin & Tonic to special concoctions like Passionfruit Mojito. For the Year of the Tiger, the brand has designed a special red, tiger-printed sleeve as a symbol of good luck and fortune. These can be fitted over any of Smith & Sinclair's nine signature sets, from spirit-based "Gin Obsessed" or "Tequila Time" to themed "Love Box" or "Night In". You can order and find out more here.

Sugarfina

Sugarfina's candy cubes are a delight, both to give and receive. For this Chinese New Year, the confectioner has crafted a series of Candy Bento Boxes for easy gifting (and enjoying!) — with anything from a single cube to a lucky set of eight, featuring the brand's sweet creations in fun, auspicious names. There's the Lotus Flowers flavoured with lychee, Tangerine Bears, berried-flavoured Royal Roses and Golden Pearls. If not for the sweets within, get this set for the beautifully artistic packaging: a hand-crafted shadow box of red and gold decor motifs of lanterns, flowers and a temple to mark new beginnings.

Sugarfina, various locations across Hong Kong

The Peninsula Boutique & Café

One of the traditional elements of the Year of the Tiger is the big cat's head, symbolising strength and good health. Inspired by traditional Chinese "tiger head shoes" worn by children, the Peninsula Boutique & Café is celebrating the new year with plenty of tiger head-decorated gift sets — you can hang the box up as a Chinese New Year decoration! Pick up the festive "Robust Tiger Gift Set" (with cookies, candies, chocolate, tea and more), and any of the Chinese New Year puddings. You can find out more here.

The Peninsula Boutique & Café, The Peninsula Arcade, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 2696 6969

Venchi

You may be spoilt for choice with Venchi's range of Chinese New Year gift boxes, but one thing's for sure: the range of lucky red and gold packaging all feature the Italian brand's signature 140-years, Piedmont Master Chocolatiers-approved sweets. Pick up The Chinese New Year Double Layer Hexagon Gift Box, an extensive collection of the brand's favourite chocolates: Cremini, Chocoviar, Truffles, and Dubledoni. Or consider the Chinese New Year Round Hamper, which features Venchi's latest creation Gianduja N.3 with Hazelnut, and is a close replica of the traditional chuen hup with the rounded exterior and organised sections within.

Venchi, various locations across Hong Kong

Yat Tung Heen

Led by celebrated chef Tam Tung, Michelin-starred Yat Tung Heen is celebrating the new year by bringing back its highly sought-after turnip pudding, classic Chinese New Year pudding and the restaurant's signature gift box (which includes housemade premium XO sauce, candied walnuts and hand-selected Ginseng Oolong tea leaves). And to minimise the environmental impact of the gifting season, each pudding is thoughtfully packaged in a 100% recyclable eco-friendly paper box. You can find out more here.

Yat Tung Heen, Level B2, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2710 1093

Ying Jee Club

Two Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Ying Jee Club is serving the finest delectable pastry duo, a savoury turnip pudding with conpoy and air-dried meat and a sweet coconut milk pudding with red bean and Ceylon tea. Both are handcrafted daily by executive chef Siu Hin-Chi, who has amassed 20 Michelin stars over the past decade alone — rest assured, the preservative-free puddings epitomise the highest standard of Cantonese cuisine in both texture and flavour. You can order in-person at the restaurant, or by calling 2801 6882 or emailing reservation@yingjeeclub.hk — find out more here.

Ying Jee Club, Shop G05, 107 & 108, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Road Central; +852 2801 6882

(Hero image courtesy of Yat Tung Heen, featured image courtesy of Duddell's, image 1 courtesy of China Tang)

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Whether it is the audiences’ love for K-drama films and shows or K-Pop music, South Korean celebrities have captured the imagination of one and all.

Such is their ever-growing reach that the world's biggest luxury brands have turned to collaborating with some of the most famous Korean celebrities.

Here are ten Korean celebrities who became the face of some major brands this year:

Hyun Bin

The Korean heartthrob who starred in the hit Netflix series Crash Landing on You (2019-2020) became the first Korean celebrity to endorse the Italian luxury brand Loro Piana in September 2021.

“His social engagement towards humanitarian and environmental issues underscores the common values shared between himself and Loro Piana, making the partnership a natural decision,” the brand said in a press release. The actor will sport the brand’s upcoming fall/winter 2021-2022 collection, which will also include ready-to-wear items and accessories.

 

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However, Loro Piana isn’t the only brand Hyun Bin is endorsing. He was made the first Asia-Pacific brand ambassador of Tom Ford Beauty in July 2021, and was featured in the brand’s Soleil Neige campaign.

 

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In 2020, Hyun Bin became Swiss luxury watch brand Omega’s first Korean ambassador. He also featured on the January 2021 cover of Esquire Korea sporting an Omega watch.

Gong Yoo 

The Train to Busan (2016) star, who also made a special appearance in Netflix’s most-watched series Squid Game (2021- ), was announced as Chanel Korea’s brand ambassador earlier in 2021. The actor will endorse the brand’s fine jewellery and watches.

 

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In an exclusive photoshoot with Elle Korea, Gong Yoo made his first appearance flaunting Chanel’s J12 timepiece.

 

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Gong Yoo also did a shoot for Marie Claire Korea, where he was seen wearing the J12 watch.

Nam Joo-Hyuk 

Popular Korean actor Nam Joo-Hyuk, who stared in the Netflix series Start-Up (2020), became the brand ambassador of Dior Beauty Korea earlier in 2021. However, this wasn’t his first stint with the Maison.

In 2019, he was made the first Korean ambassador of Dior Men.

 

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He will be promoting various Dior products, from perfumes to skincare and makeup, in his latest partnership with the brand.

Lee Dong-Wook 

His flawless skin makes him the perfect choice for beauty and skincare product endorsement. Chanel tapped on him to endorse its first makeup collection for men — Boy de Chanel — in 2019 as the brand’s global ambassador.

In July 2021, he was chosen as La Mer’s male brand ambassador. The Goblin (2016) star made a breathtaking appearance in Elle Korea’s July issue to announce his collaboration with La Mer.

 

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"Lee Dong-Wook's luxurious image and irreplaceable atmosphere fit well with the brand, so we chose him as the model," a brand representative shared with a South Korean media outlet, as per KDramaStars.

Kim Woo-Bin 

The model-actor returned to spotlight this year after recovering from nasopharyngeal cancer.

He was spotted attending The Sound Maker exhibition in South Korea as the new brand ambassador of the Swiss luxury watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre.

 

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Speaking of the association, Woo-Bin said: "I’m very delighted to be a Friend of Jaeger-LeCoultre, with a long history of 188 years and great watchmaking expertise. I look forward to the new journey with Jaeger-LeCoultre."

Kim Soo-Hyun 

One of the highest-paid actors in South Korea, Kim Soo-Hyun was made Tommy Hilfiger’s new brand ambassador.

“For days at home and working life leisure and work, Kim always looks to the future with a smile,” Tommy Hilfiger’s website reads.

 

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The actor was seen adorning the brand’s Autumn 2021 menswear collection.

 

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He was also chosen as Swiss watchmaker Mido’s Asia ambassador.

Lee Jung-Jae 

While Lee Jung-Jae from the Squid Game fame preps for the upcoming season of the Netflix series, the Korean actor has caught the attention of one of the biggest fashion houses in the world. He was made the global brand ambassador of Gucci in November 2021.

 

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A press release by Gucci said, "Lee Jung-Jae's charismatic and iconic style and a strong self-identity is similar to Gucci's philosophy that values acceptance of diversity and self-expression."

Ho-Yeon Jung 

Another Squid Game star who has gained massive popularity after the show’s release is Ho-Yeon Jung. The model-turned-actress is now one of Louis Vuitton global ambassadors.

 

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In an Instagram post on 6 October, 2021, the French luxury fashion house’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere wrote: “I immediately fell in love with HoYeon’s great talent and fantastic personality, and I am looking forward to starting this new chapter of the journey we started at Louis Vuitton a few years ago.”

According to the post, she had earlier walked the ramp for the brand and had also featured in a ready-to-wear campaign in 2017.

Shin Min-A  

The gorgeous model-actress who is known for her stunning looks and versatility, is one of the Korean celebrities to bag a brand deal.

 

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She was last seen in Netflix’s Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, and was made Gucci’s global ambassador in November 2021.

The fashion label took to Twitter to share pictures of the actress sporting its collection. The tweet said: “#MinaShin joins as new Gucci global brand ambassador. Here, the actress appears in a series of images wearing key pieces from #GucciAria, including a selection of #GucciJewelry. #AlessandroMichele.”

Song Hye-Kyo 

The Descendants of the Sun (2016) actress was appointed Fendi’s first Korean global brand ambassador.

 

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Her strong and timeless appeal makes her the best choice to represent the luxury fashion house.

(Main and Featured image: Tommy Hilfiger)

The post 10 Korean Celebrities Who Became Brand Ambassadors in 2021 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.