One of the most unique things about the Korean music industry is their use of idol groups to promote various products. In the US, celebrities are often used to advertise products as well, but they rarely make songs specifically for a product let alone a whole music video. From phones to vacation spots, Korean idols and celebrities have been the faces of brands for years. They appear in enjoyable commercials and every now and then one of these iconic collaborations is fit to be released as a single in its own right. Such commercials are called “CF,” a Korean adaptation of English which stands for “commercial film.” Many CFs are produced with very high quality — the songs are catchy, the music videos are simple, yet effective, and the idols themselves are perfect eye candy to enhance the product placement. The following list includes (in order of release date) some of the most iconic and quality CFs which K-Pop fans can still appreciate to this day.
- BigBang and 2NE1 – Lollipop (2009)
When KPOP fans think of legendary CFs, this one will definitely make the list. Lollipop was a way for two YG Entertainment groups to promote LG Electronics Cyon’s cell phone called Lollipop. The song itself was a hit and well-received by the general public. The fact that Lollipop overtook Super Junior’s Sorry Sorry (one of the most well-known KPOP songs of all time) for the #1 spot is a testimony of how well the song did. This was also 2NE1’s first official appearance to the music industry and what better way than through an incredibly catchy ad song?
2. Girls’ Generation and f(x) – Chocolate Love (2009)
Coming in at #2 are the queens of CFs themselves, Girls’ Generation. As the “Nation’s Girl Group” at that time, it only makes sense that they would have received many love calls for commercials. One of Girls’ Generation’s most known CFs is Chocolate Love, a digital single used to promote the LG Cyon Chocolate phone. This CF is the definition of what a CF should include: a catchy song that will make people remember the product, an easy-to-learn dance, and an aesthetic music video to support the two. Girls’ Generation’s labelmate f(x) also made their own version of the CF. While Girls’ Generation’s was listed as Retro Pop with a more sensual, easy-going vibe, f(x)’s version style was Electronic Pop with a more in-your-face sound backed by electric guitar.
3. 2PM and Girls’ Generation – Cabi (2010)
Cabi by 2PM and Girls’ Generation is definitely one of the most known and loved CF songs, along with Lollipop. Cabi was a digital single for the Caribbean Bay waterpark, located on the outskirts of the Seoul area. Although all the members of 2PM and Girls’ Generation were included in some way, the stars of this CF were Yoona, Yuri, and Seohyun of Girls’ Generation and Taecyeon, Nichkhun, and Chansung of 2PM. What makes this CF so special is the iconic love story between Yoona and Taecyeon that plays out all throughout Caribbean Bay. Cabi is the type of song that makes you want to scream the lyrics while you hang out with your friends on the beach.
4. INFINITE-Request (2013)
Of the songs on this list, this may be the worthiest of being a title track. Not only does it advertise Samsung’s Galaxy Phone, but it also made sure to keep Infinite’s signature retro, synth-filled sound in the song. Because of this, many KPOP fans and Inspirits (Infinite’s fans) aren’t even aware that Request is a promotional song rather than an actual Infinite song. What’s interesting about Request is the fact the Samsung ringtone “Over the Horizon” is incorporated into the tune! You can hear the ringtone for yourself at the beginning.
5. NCT 127 – Taste the Feeling (2016)
NCT 127 teamed together with Coca-Cola to produce the track “Taste the Feeling” as part of the SM Station project series. Throughout the music video you can see the members of NCT 127 drinking Coca-Cola and enjoying various activities. The music video was short, sweet, and catchy which is why it was well-received by not only NCT fans but K-Pop fans as a whole.
6. BTS and GFriend – Family Song (2016)
In 2016, many K-Pop fans were excited to hear that two well-known groups like BTS and GFriend were going to collaborate. The two groups teamed up with SK Telecom to promote the new SMART school uniforms as a part of the Family Love Day Campaign. The Family Love Day Campaign was a way to encourage families to spend more time together, setting aside Wednesday to be family day. This just proves that not all CFs are about heavy product placement and visuals. They can also be used for a good cause.
7. Wonder Girls – Now (2009)
Now this is an outstanding CF! This ad is truly a music video, with its eye-catching dance, individual sets and scenes for all the members, and a story line. KTF promoted their new X-Slim phone while allowing fans to enjoy a quality music video from the Wonder Girls. Unlike the previous songs in this list, the tune from this CF was an actual title track. The Wonder Girls covered the popular song Now by Fin.K.L but gave the song a 2000’s pop twist.
This article was written by KPOP-TV Blog Team member Taryn Burress
