“Hot Brothers” is a segment of “Sunday, Sunday Night,” the longest-running entertainment show in South Korea reaching an average 15 million viewers.
According to the Marianas Visitors Authority, the first episode on Oct. 10, 2010, created an additional buzz on numerous on-line entertainment portals and blogs after its airing.
“We are especially pleased to help facilitate this kind of mass media coverage in our source markets. By leveraging our advertising dollars in this way we can reach millions of potential visitors we would otherwise not be able to make an impact on,” said Bruce Bateman, marketing manager for MVA.
The two episodes brought an estimated $1 million in ad exposure to this island resort destination. Even though the “Hot Brothers” was filmed in secret without advance notice to media, over 50 articles related to the filming in Saipan were posted on entertainment online news portals in expectation.
“(Recording artist) Simon D. visits in Saipan as the first overseas trip in his life,” read one article. “Lee Ki-Kwang, one of the ‘Hot Brothers’ members, to reveal his perfect six-pack in Saipan,” touted another.
MVA assisted the film crew with permits and logistics during the filming.
According to MVA, several hotel partners have expressed their delight with the extensive coverage of the natural beauty of Saipan and have indicated their interest in participating as a featured resort in upcoming television episodes.
