Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
BTS to promote Seoul tourism
BTS in collaboration with the local government, filmed diverse tourism footage that will be released via social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, with the first scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday on Seoul's official YouTube channel. Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
K-pop superstar group BTS is beckoning more global travelers to Seoul with promotional videos of the nation's capital.
The seven-member boy band, in collaboration with the local government, filmed diverse tourism footage that will be released via social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, with the first scheduled for 10 a.m. this morning on Seoul's official YouTube channel.
They will also be broadcast through TV channels ― KBS World aired in 58 million households in 117 countries and tvN Asia Channel that is available to 9 million households in nine Southeast Asian countries.
The members of BTS, as honorary ambassadors for Seoul for the second year straight, have filmed commercials and music video. The music video titled “With Seoul” mesmerized fans to the extent that Seoul's official tourism website crashed. The band last month achieved the No. 1 title on the Billboard 200 Albums chart with “Love Yourself: Answer.”
The promotional videos feature seven themes: Delicious Seoul, Relaxing Seoul, Extreme Seoul, Historic Seoul, K-Wave Seoul, Fashionable Seoul and Exclusive Seoul.
“Delicious Seoul” portrays Jungkook strolling through Dokkaebi Night Market where there are scores of popular food trucks and the group introduces different dishes that will tingle one's taste buds.
“Relaxing Seoul” is introduced by Ji-min, who visits Seoul's city wall and highlights people relaxing while kayaking on the Han River that runs through the capital.
“Extreme Seoul,” promoted by RM, introduces extreme sports and festivals where members are shown rock climbing on Mount Bukhan and being sprayed with water during the Waterbomb Festival as well as feeling the excitement of the street-cheering culture that Seoul has to offer during major sporting events.
In “Historic Seoul,” Jin gives a glimpse of the country's culture and history by portraying traditional martial arts and showing how to make traditional pottery at Namsan Beacon Fire Station.
In “L-Wave Seoul,” BTS member J-Hope teaches the latest K-pop dance moves, and shows people free-styling at K-starROAD as well as introducing the Korean wave's culture and products.
“Fashionable Seoul” shows BTS member Suga introducing street fashion and culture as well as recommending the K-Beauty experience.
In “Exclusive Seoul,” BTS member V wears and shows off the luxurious Korean traditional clothing “hanbok” and introduces exclusive traditional Korean food dining destinations.
The promotional videos are part of Seoul's goal to attract 50 million tourists by 2023. The city believes the video clips will greatly help the city attract global travelers thanks to the boy band's huge popularity worldwide.
“BTS has risen to international stardom and we have selected the group as our honorary ambassadors, so we will be better able to appeal to the world with Seoul's hot tourism content,” said Joo Yong-tae, director of the tourism and sports bureau at the local government.