"UNDISPUTED KING OF ENDORSEMENTS"— Fans react as Kim Soo-hyun joins Kim Tae-ri, Byeon woo-seok, & more as Prada’s brand ambassador

On December 19, 2024, Prada officially announced Kim Soo-hyun as its newest global brand ambassador, unveiling two photos of the actor in all-black attire. He has joined a growing list of South Korean stars affiliated with the luxury brand, including actors Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Tae-ri, singer Jeon Somi, aespa's leader Karina, and ENHYPEN.

Byeon Woo-seok recently represented the brand at the Spring/Summer 2025 Men's Show in Milan, while Karina shone in Prada's Holiday 2024 campaign. ENHYPEN also made headlines attending the Spring/Summer 2025 Womenswear Show.

The news quickly drew excitement, with fans congratulating him. One X user commented:

"This is what you call the UNDISPUTED KING OF ENDORSEMENTS"

Many other fans also took to the internet to congratulate the actor, hailing his attire.

"Kim Soo Hyun the best choice," said one fan.

"Spectacular, the suit is great, so elegant. Greetings," commented another.

Fans further celebrated Kim Soo-hyun's appointment as Prada's brand ambassador, calling it a legacy moment.

"The goat himself looks so good in Prada suit," another said.

"Congratulations to Kim Soo Hyun on becoming the brand ambassador!" responded another.

"This isn’t just an ambassador, it’s a whole legacy," said another fan.

---

More about Kim Soo-hyun and all his endorsements

Kim Soo-hyun, born on February 16, 1988, was one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea in 2020, as reported by Cosmopolitan. He also received numerous honors, including five Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and one Blue Dragon Film Award.

Additionally, Kim was featured in Forbes' Power Celebrity 40 and 30 Under 30 Asia lists in 2013 and was named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year in 2014. Widely recognized as the "King of Product Endorsements," he has represented various products in food, fashion, electronics, telecom, and automobiles.

Kim Soo-hyun's ascent in the advertising world began with his breakout role in Giant, and he solidified his status after starring in Moon Embracing the Sun. He set a record in 2012 by endorsing 17 products at once, according to a May 2012 report by Korea JoongAng Daily. This feat surpassed the previous record of 15 endorsements held by figure skater Yuna Kim.

Following his role in My Love from the Star, he became the face of 30 advertisements, including campaigns in China and across Asia, as per The Korea Times. In addition, he was a spokesperson for Jeju Airlines in 2015 and portrayed the main character in a Chinese mobile video game in 2016.

In 2014, Kim faced controversy after appearing in an advertisement for the Chinese bottled water company Hengda Bingquan. The ad described the water's source as "Changbai Mountain," using the Chinese name instead of the Korean name "Mount Baekdusan," sparking backlash from South Korean fans, according to The Korea Herald.

Although Kim initially considered canceling the contract, he ultimately proceeded with the campaign, disappointing some of his fans.

His efforts in enhancing Korea's brand image earned him a Grand Prize at the National Brand Awards in 2015, which he shared with Yuna Kim. He became a brand ambassador for the Philippine retail brand Bench in 2021, a global ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger later that year, a spokesperson for Dunkin' Donuts in 2022, and a representative for the outdoor fashion brand Eider in 2023.

---

Kim Soo-hyun will star alongside Jo Bo-ah in the upcoming black comedy series Knock-Off, written by Han Jung-hoon and directed by Park Hyun-seok. The show, focusing on stories about counterfeit luxury goods, is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2025.