South Korea watches its economy get a boost from popular TV shows

Global Business

South Korean TV dramas have a huge following in China. That’s helped lift the South Korean economy by attracting visitors to the country and by boosting sales of products exposed in TV shows. 

CCTV’s U-Jean Jung reports.
Follow U-Jean Jung on Twitter @ujeanjung

Smart product placements can lead to monster sales. At least that seems to be true for products featured in the South Korean drama, “Descendants of the Sun,” which aired simultaneously in China from February to April.

The Baidu TV chart on May shows the “Descendants of the Sun” still on Top three.

Baidu TV Chart on May

People are showing they are love this drama on Twitter.

Sales soared for Laneige lipstick, after it was featured in the 16-episode romantic series about a soldier and his doctor girlfriend set in a fictional war-torn country.

Shoppers have been snapping up anything and everything exposed on the show.

Popular TV dramas with a winning mix of romance, popular actors, and beautiful settings are giving the South Korean economy a much-needed boost.

The statistic shows tourist arrivals from Mainland China in South Korea between 2008 and 2014. In 2014, Chinese tourist arrivals to South Korea had amounted to approximately six million.

The statistic shows tourist arrivals from Mainland China in South Korea between 2008 and 2014. In 2014, Chinese tourist arrivals to South Korea had amounted to approximately six million.


Troy Stangarone on the impact of South Korean TV dramas

For more on the impact of South Korean TV drama, CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke to Troy Stangarone, Senior Director of Korea Economic Institute.
Follow Rachelle Akuffo on Twitter @RachelleAkuffo