In a recent announcement, NewJeans has been unveiled as the new face of Lotte WellFood Co's beloved Pepero snack, a move aimed at capitalizing on the global popularity of this sweet treat.
Online Debate Ignites Over "Ambassador" Title for NewJeans
While many are celebrating this partnership, a heated debate has emerged online, with some netizens questioning the choice of the term "ambassadors" for the K-pop group.
Pepero, once a simple snack adored by children, has transcended its humble origins. November 11, fondly known as "Pepero Day," has become a day for friends and lovers to exchange the snack as a token of affection, further solidifying its significance.It's no wonder the snack's slogan now reads, "say it with Pepero."
NewJeans, known for their youthful appeal and vibrant energy, seem like a perfect fit for promoting Pepero. Yet, the decision to call them "ambassadors" instead of the traditional "models" has raised eyebrows among some netizens.
Historically, South Korean brands have always used the term "models" for celebrity endorsements, and the use of "ambassador" became prominent only when global luxury brands began collaborating with Korean stars.Some netizens took to social media to express their opinions.
Netizens' comments:
- "They're cute and match well with it. But, the term 'ambassador'... Haha. If you want to pick a bone, isn't it actually funny how you only can use the term on luxury brand models? Let's just call all of them models."
- "It's sooooo funny how we're putting Pepero and 'global ambassador' in the same sentence LOL."
- "All the photos are pretty, and they suit it well."
- "Seems like they're called ambassadors because they'll be used for 17 countries. They suit it. Seems like they have shot many CFs."
- "The ambassador money must be crazy!! The girls gonna be ready to retire by march"
- "omg so much brand dealsss"
- "They have already like a 1000 brands on their hands. These girls have to be multimillionaires at this point."
- "didn't scientists say that pepero causes heart failure? this is really weird for them to endorse it..."
The term "ambassador" in the world of luxury brands often signifies that celebrity endorsers are expected to embody the brand and convey its message authentically.
However, some netizens argue that both "model" and "ambassador" are borrowed words from the English language and question whether the distinction is significant. The debate continues as fans and critics share their thoughts online.
As Pepero continues its global expansion, it remains to be seen whether NewJeans' role as "global ambassadors" will redefine the norms of celebrity endorsements in South Korea's ever-evolving marketing landscape.
Meanwhile,In the realm of online fashion and K-pop communities, a recent post showcasing NewJeans' visuals at Stonehenge 2023 has ignited a whirlwind of reactions, ranging from fervent praise to intriguing debates.
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KpopStarz own this article.
Cassidy Jones wrote this.
