Idol Groups Go Out of Fashion as Water Park Models

With their striking looks and enviable physiques, idol singers have proven a natural choice to promote water parks across the nation. But that is changing as the park operators look to other TV personalities and models with a friendly image that people can relate to.

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Caribbean Bay in Yongin, Gyeonggy Province is now finalizing the details of a contract with a TV celebrity in his 40s who looks decidedly unfit to promote its facilities.

"We thought that choosing stars who come across as the kind of friend you'd like to hang out and have fun with is more in line with current trends, rather than just going for a girl band or a star with a great body", said a staffer from the park.

Girls' Generation and 2PM are pictured in a 2010 advertisement for Caribbean Bay. /Courtesy of Caribbean Bay

As others follow suit, popular idol groups such as Girls' Generation, f(x), 2PM, miss A, T-ara and Secret -- all of which modeled for water parks until recently -- have all been replaced this year. Sistar is a notable service, Ocean World choosing the girl group to promote it recently.

Some industry insiders say such moves reflect the weakening power idol stars wield in the local pop music industry.

"These days, people prefer stars who feel more like the guy or girl next door, rather than those with dazzling looks", an advertising director said. As such, idol stars may lose much of their charm in the market, he added.