原文:
His electrifying charisma has sold many an appliance - refrigerators in particular.
While Korean pretty boys like Lee Min Ho and Kim Hyun Joong have touted skincare brands, Lee Seung Gi (left) has made a name for himself by moving Samsung refrigerators off the shelves.
For the last three years, the Korean actor-singer has been fronting the brand's Zipel Asak Kimchi fridge campaign.
Sure, the 25-year-old may not have been as popular as his male peers back then and also had the unnerving task of endorsing the appliances industry which is dominated by female celebrities.
But the gamble has paid off handsomely for Samsung.
Lee, who has starred in dramas such as The Greatest Love (2011) and The King 2 Hearts (2012), unexpectedly caused a buying frenzy of Zipel Grande Style refrigerators when they were launched two years ago.
Just last month, the latest model of the fridge, the Zipel T9000, made its way into the market with aplomb.
According to Korean media, sales of the Zipel T9000 - in its first 10 days post-launch - tripled that of its predecessor in 2010.
Said Samsung Electronics: "Lee Seung Gi has captured the hearts of 20- to 40-year-old females who make up much of the consumer market and even served as a driving force behind making Zipel refrigerators the No. 1 brand sold in the market for three consecutive years."
Lee himself has been affectionately called the Fridge Boy by netizens, some of whom have lamented the fact that they are unable to buy the refrigerator because they aren't living in Korea.
The Korean will be in Singapore for the first time for a fan meeting on Aug 25.
On the sold-out fridges, Lee - the host for Korean TV show Strong Heart - told The New Paper in an e-mail interview: "I am always touched by my fans when they give me more encouragement and support than I have ever imagined (possible).
"I have heard that Singapore is a clean and nice place to live in so I expect it to be as such.
"I have also heard stories that the Singapore fans are passionate about supporting me so I do anticipate a lot when meeting them face-to-face.
"I heard the schedule in Singapore will be very tight, but I do wish to place emphasis on meeting Singapore fans up close and personal.
"At the fan meeting, I will tell them lots of stories, sing them songs and reveal funny stuff that happened on the film sets."
Ideal girl
The currently single idol is coy when asked about his appeal, which he put down to "hidden charisma".
He also toyed with the idea that perhaps his fans like him because he gives his best in all he sets out to do.
On personal trips to Poland and Hong Kong this past year, he was surprised when he realised that the tons of females at the airports were all there to catch a glimpse of him.
He admitted that the notion of his ideal girl is always changing, but he has a soft spot for women with kind and warm personalities.
Said Lee: "I'd like someone who understands me.
"If I did know what would attract me, I think it would be quite boring, so I do wish she is someone who can always surprise me.
"And also be charming in ways that I cannot... And yes! I wish she would be a good cook."
cchar@sph.com.sg
This article was first published in The New Paper.