Lee Min Ho News: Korean Star Lee Min Ho visited Philippines for his endorsement with Bench

By Lord Justin Castillo - 05 Apr '16 06:59AM

Korean Actor Lee Min Ho spent his time during the weekends in the Philippines with thousands of supporters for his endorsement with Bench.

It was already his fifth time in Philippines since 2012 but Filipino fans continue to show undying support for the star. The Korean star was in the country as a Benchsetter for the Filipino clothing line Bench. He held his "Be MY Yeobo" ("sweetheart" or "honey") fun meetings last April 2 and April 3.

Jose Marie Liamzon, Bench Ad and Promo Manager, said Mr. Lee is possibly the longest-standing foreign endorser of the lifestyle brand. He has been affiliated with Bench for four years, with their partnership launched with the first fan meeting in November 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

But Lee Min Ho fever in the country is far from dying. In fact, another round of sustained advertising focusing on the Korean idol may be in the offing to further fuel the frenzy.

"He continues to be relevant to the [Philippine] market," said Mr. Liamzon in an interview with BusinessWorld at the sidelines of the TriNoma fan meeting, when asked why Bench continues to renew its contract with Mr. Lee.

In the past, Bench has been endorsed with so many popular International stars including Super Junior members Lee Donghae and Choi Siwon, singers Bruno Mars, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Apl d. Ap of Black Eyed Peas, David Archulete and Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger. Actors Taylor Lautner (the Twilight Saga) and Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games films).

But Mr. Lee arguably has the most staying power among the non-Filipino Bench endorsers. And his throngs of followers are making sure that he will continue to be on the roster of Bench's brand ambassadors.

"I feel the love everytime I am here. I look forward to it every visit. I don't get tired [of returning again and again to the Philippines]," said Mr. Lee, through his interpreter, host Sam Oh.

"Mahal ko kayo," he repeatedly told admirers during this weekend's fan meets. And these devoted followers will definitely await his return.
The star told fans that among his projects this year are a movie and commercials.

"As you all know, I have a movie 'Bounty Hunters' which is coming out this year. I've also been shooting commercials," he said.

'Bounty Hunters' is a 35-billion won (P1.4 billion) South Korea-China production for release in China in June.
"As the title goes, it's about bounty hunters. It's an enjoyable movie. I play a martial arts artist in this film. This role is a different one," he said.

Besides the movie, Lee Min Ho revealed he may star in a new Korean drama this year.