'Running Man' Gary Is The First Korean Spokesperson For QQ

On April 16, Leessang Company announced an endorsement deal between Gary and the Chinese messanging service, QQ. The "Running Man" star is the first Korean celebrity to represent the brand, which is utilized by more than 800 million users in China.

In the first advertisement for the company, Gary soulfully croons to the camera, while simulating the group video messaging capability of the application. He is singing a birthday invitation to his friends, who are prominent Chinese stars. Gary utilized Chinese throughout the commercial. 

He is the only Korean personality in the ad, which also features popular Chinese celebrities. However, K-pop fans may recognized Zhang Bichen, who was a former member of the group Sunny Days. She reinvigorated her career in 2014 as a contestant on "The Voice of China." Chinese actor Zheng Kai is also depicted in the commercial, along with Jane Zhang.

Leessang Company issued a statement about the endorsement deal, which was published by enews. "It is a great honor that Gary has been chosen as the only Korean model to stand among three Chinese stars," said the representative. 

QQ is one of the most popular messaging applications in China. The company is owned by Tencent, which also operates the successful portal site, QQ.com. 

Gary has demonstrated continued popularity in China, as a member of the hip-hop act LeeSsang and one as a cast member of the popular variety show, "Running Man." Fans of the series have demonstrated continued support for Gary and Song Ji Hyo, who are popularly referred to as the Monday Couple. 

The success of "Running Man" in China has led to an adaptation of the Korean series called, "Hurry Up, Brother." The variety show was also used as the source material for a full-length Chinese feature film, which include Kim Jong Kook.