Using dead stars for commercials is legal, with companies paying royalties to rights holders.

In the past it was considered a taboo to publicly talk about the dead. No more. An increasing number of businesses are turning to deceased icons to help sell their products.

Putting aside questions of political-correctness when using dead people in ads, the so-called ‘deceased (star) marketing’ is proving itself to be a successful marketing strategy.

It is definitely an unusual penchant for Confucianism-originated Korea, where those who have passed away are considered sacred and should be left alone.

The latest example of deceased star marketing comes from LG Electronics Inc in promoting its ‘Secret’ mobile phone. One of its commercial versions uses a clip from the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The company aimed to invoke people’s undying love for Audrey Hepburn to sell products. In the television commercial, instead of staring at jewelry inside a Tiffany’s window, Hepburn gazes at the ‘Secret’ phone. The cell phone was released in June and nearly 200,000 units have been sold since then, according to Park Seung-goo of LG Electronics’ public relations office.

“The phone is also being released in other parts of Asia and Europe, and the reaction is already positive, with the media there calling it an innovative product,” Park said.

Between February and June this year, Hungkuk Ssangyong Fire and Marine Insurance tried to spice up its insurance ads—not an easy thing to do. The company used late comedian Lee Joo-il in commercials for its ‘Eyou Direct’ car insurance policy.

For maximum effect, Hungkuk dubbed in dialogue from one of Lee’s films to make it sound as if the comedian was talking about the product. Lee, a comedy sensation while alive, passed away in 2002 of lung cancer.

Satisfied with the results of using the late comedian, Hungkuk has now ‘cast’ the legendary Bruce Lee in its newest commercials, which started airing September 19.

The new advertisement features Lee from one of his movies. Between fight scenes, editing and subtitles make it seem as if Lee is actually promoting the product and its inexpensiveness.

The advertisements are legal, with the companies paying royalties to rights holders, most of whom are children and family of the deceased.
Timeless popularity and familiarity — which sometimes invokes nostalgia — make late celebrities a popular object for advertising companies, experts said.

“First of all, in Korea, most of the existing big models have already occupied most fields in the (advertising) industry. By using legendary stars who have passed away, businesses can not only save money but can also effectively make an issue out of their advertisements,” said editor Song Eun-a of Public Interest Project Division of the Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation.

By using friendly figures from the past, the nostalgia felt by the viewers often leads to favourable sentiment and raises brand recognition.
Some observers, however, caution that using famous idols in commercials may prompt a negative image of the companies, especially among long-time fans.

“The commercials did make me better recognise the brand and product, but I was actually offended that the (late stars) were used in the advertisements. It felt like the value of money overrode the honour of the deceased,” said Kim Shi-hyung, a 29-year-old office worker in Seoul.

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co used its deceased founder Chung Chu-young in television commercials earlier this year, while Kia Motors used James Dean to promote its SUV ‘Sportage’. (By LEE JOO-HEE In Seoul/ The Korea Herald/ AsiaNews)