{
  "id": 19269292,
  "title": "From NYC to Tokyo: aespa, RIIZE lead Seoul's international tourism push",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/from-nyc-to-tokyo-aespa-riize-lead-seouls-international-tourism-push",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T02:37:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20261110/from-nyc-to-tokyo-aespa-riize-lead-seouls-international-tourism-push"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seoul is actively promoting itself as a top destination for international tourists, with K-pop stars playing a key role in the effort. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization have launched a global advertising campaign called \"Absolutely in Seoul.\" The campaign features members of girl group aespa, Karina and Winter, as well as boy band RIIZE, at major commercial and tourist spots in seven cities, including New York, Tokyo, and Bangkok.\n\nThe campaign is built around the idea of \"Seoul Syndrome,\" which portrays Seoul as a place where everyday experiences become extraordinary. This concept aims to leave a lasting impression on visitors, encouraging them to return to the city. The centerpiece of the international push is New York City's Times Square, where campaign videos will be displayed on large outdoor screens until November 29. Visitors to the bustling commercial district will see the videos, which will help generate interest in Seoul.\n\nTokyo's Shibuya Scramble will be another key location for the campaign, with advertisements appearing through November 20. Bangkok's campaign kicked off on November 1, with the first displays already appearing. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization hope that these international advertisements will attract more tourists to the city, showcasing its unique charm and potential as a top travel destination.",
  "summary": "Seoul is taking its tourism pitch to some of the world's busiest streets, with K-pop stars leading an international advertising campaign spanning seven cities, including New York, Tokyo and Bangkok. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization said they are rolling out large-scale outdoor advertisements for their global campaign, \"Absolutely in Seoul,\" featuring Karina and…",
  "key_points": [
    "Seoul promotes international tourism with K-pop stars aespa and RIIZE.",
    "Campaign \"Absolutely in Seoul\" features stars in NYC, Tokyo, Bangkok.",
    "Times Square and Shibuya Scramble key locations for New York and Tokyo ads."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Leveraging the global popularity of K-pop idols signals a strategic shift toward using cultural icons to transform Seoul into a premier international destination through targeted metropolitan advertising campaigns.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}