BtoB's Yook Sungjae is becoming a hot commodity in Korean entertainment. On June 13, Star News published an article which examined the amount of requests, or a term known in Korean entertainment as love calls, that have been directed towards the 20-year-old acting idol. According to the report, the level of requests for the emerging star increased following the success of "Who Are You: School 2015" and his appearances on variety shows.
Star News outlined some of the potential product endorsements that have been offered to the BtoB member. According to the article, he has received offers to represent technology products, coffee chains, fashion, and beauty products.
A representative for Cube Entertainment addressed his recent success, which has resulted in numerous potential endorsements. "Ad requests have started pouring in," said an official from the company. "We are currently positively reviewing [these offers]. Some of these advertising contracts have been signed while others are being fine tuned."
On June 20, Yook will begin his virtual marriage with Red Velvet's Joy on MBC's "We Got Married." The couple is depicted in the preview for the episode, which will also mark the debut appearance by Oh Min Seok and Kang Ye Won.
1. Yook Sungjae has a clean-cut image that is different than many upcoming acting idols.
He is emerging as a coveted star, after yielding positive feedback from K-Drama viewers and performing well during market research surveys. According to the report by Star News, he has high approval ratings from female audiences and has been noted for his warm visual appeal.
2. He wowed audiences as The Bee on "King of the Masked Singer."
He stunned audiences with his rich voice as The Bee on "King of the Masked Singer," a variety show which highlights the vocal abilities of K-pop idols.
3. His portrayal of Gong Tae Kwang on "Who Are You: School 2015" parallels Kim Woo Bin's Choi Young Do in "The Heirs."
His performance in "Who Are You: School 2015" has helped to differentiate the series from other teen dramas. Audiences have recognized similarities between his character, Gong Tae Kwang, and "The Heirs" Choi Young Do.
4. He has become a master of variety shows, including hosting.
His selection for "We Got Married" is the culmination of hard work within the variety show sector. One of his first on-going variety show appearances was on MBC's "Real Men," a program which simulates the experience of Korean military enlistment. "Real Men" appeals to domestic viewers, who can relate to the trials and tribulations of military conscription. He followed with a successful hosting gig on "A Song for You," opposite Super Junior's Kangin and Amber of the dance-pop group, f(x).
5. He helped generate positive attention for BtoB, while shifting the focus towards Cube Entertainment's rookie group, CLC.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramastars. She is also a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, MTV Iggy and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing, she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
