Shocking and viral: Actor Yoo Hae-jin — affectionately nicknamed "Cham-bada" — has been tapped as the new face of Burger King, sparking huge buzz among K-culture fans.
Burger King announced on the 22nd that it had named Yoo as its ad model while rolling out two limited-time Boiling Seafood Burgers inspired by Louisiana-style seafood boil.
Yoo first earned the nickname "Mr. Cham-bada" during his appearance on the tvN variety show Three Meals a Day, a playful nod to the Hanja in his real name (Hae: sea, Jin: true). In the new campaign, he transforms into a fisherman returning with a boatful haul, using his trademark wit to deliver the product’s core concept in an instantly intuitive way.
In the extra ad clip released on the 24th, a staffer mishears the line "Louisiana fisherman" as "Yoo Hae-jin fisherman," serving up a lighthearted laugh.
Reactions are blazing online: "With Yoo Hae-jin endorsing it, the seafood just feels fresher and more trustworthy," "This casting is all-time perfect," and "Burger King’s casting sense is insane," fans raved.
Meanwhile, Yoo’s recent film The King's Warden has surpassed 10 million moviegoers, cementing his powerhouse run across both the big screen and the ad world.