BTS’ V’s ‘Seoul Edition 23’ Campaign Surpasses 500 Million Views in Just 3 Weeks

Kim Taehyung, also known as V of BTS, recently joined forces with Seoul Tourism as their honorary tourism ambassador. The outcome? The “Seoul Edition 23” campaign video series. Launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Foundation, it quickly amassed 500 million views across platforms within its first three weeks.

This rapid success outpaced the previous year’s record by two months. A significant factor behind this achievement is the escalating global interest in Hallyu, the Korean Wave, and the city of Seoul itself. The campaign portrays Seoul as a “limited edition,” setting the tone for Seoul Tourism’s 2023 initiatives.

The promotional content presented Seoul from two perspectives: “New Tradition” and “Nature in the City.” The former emphasizes the city’s fusion of retro and modern elements, while the latter delves into its lush green spaces. In all, ten videos of diverse formats, such as teasers, shorts, and main videos, were unveiled. On YouTube, these videos garnered overwhelmingly positive reactions from domestic and international viewers, amassing over 10,000 comments and 500,000 likes.

[SEOUL X V of BTS] Seoul Edition23 – New Tradition (Official Video)

A tremendous success

The “Seoul Edition 23” hashtag event was also held and proved to be a tremendous success. Participants used the designated hashtag to share posts, recommending various attractions in Seoul. Five locations highlighted in V‘s campaign are DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza), Ikseondong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Sebitseom (Sebit Islets). 

To further promote Seoul tourism, large outdoor advertisements were displayed in major cities worldwide. Since September 18, videos of V taking selfies at iconic Seoul spots graced billboards in cities like New York, Tokyo, Taipei, and Bangkok.

Gil Ki-yeon, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, expressed, “Through this Seoul Edition campaign introduced by V, we will share with people around the world the unique retro charm of Seoul and the contrasting allure of nature within the city, reminding them of why they should visit Seoul immediately.”

[SEOUL X V of BTS] Seoul Edition23 – Nature in the City (Official Video)

More new music from V

In related news, the K-pop idol recently released two remixes of “Slow Dancing,” a track from his debut solo album Layover. One remix, crafted by FRNK, a producer from the Korean hip-hop duo XXX, gives the song an Afrobeat twist. The other, by soul artist Cautious Clay, enhances the romantic R&B elements of the original track.

V‘s debut solo album also features the songs “Rainy Day,” “Love Me Again,” “Blue,” and “For Us.” Upon its release, “Slow Dancing” secured the No. 51 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: V’s charisma enhanced the allure of Seoul as a tourist destination. Source: X/@v_hotrends.