According to Korean media outlet Hankyung on March 26, Kim Ji-won has been appointed as the new model for Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s soju brand CHUMCHURUM.
According to the media outlet, an official of Lotte Chilsung Beverage revealed, “It is true that we are reviewing various options regarding model selection with open possibilities as in the beginning, but there is nothing to confirm at this time.”
Kim Ji-won’s selection as the model for CHUMCHURUM came a month after its contract with actress Han So-hee expired. Many people are saying that it was quite urgent.
Han was selected as the model for CHUMCHURUM in March last year, following BLACKPINK’s Jennie. Lotte Chilsung explained at the time that Han was selected as the model considering her active communication with fans through social media.
It is the first time in eight years that CHUMCHURUM changed its model after just one year. It is a short period of time compared to previous models such as Lee Hyo-ri, Hyuna, Shin Min-ah and Suzy. Some speculated that the buzz from Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol’s dating controversy may have affected the contract renewal process.
On March 16th, Han So-hee admitted to dating actor Ryu Jun-yeol. In the process, a conflict arose with Hyeri, Ryu Jun-yeol’s ex-girlfriend, as Han and Ryu were suspected of cheating on Hyeri. Soon after, Han So-hee and Hyeri both apologized, but the advertising industry seems to have felt a risk in Han So-hee’s radical behavior.
Meanwhile, Kim Ji-won is starring in tvN’s hit drama “Queen of Tears.” According to viewer rating agency Nielsen Korea, the sixth episode of “Queen of Tears,” which aired on March 24th, recorded its own highest ratings with 14.1% of households nationwide.
