An exclusive interview with MIDO brand ambassador, Kim Soo Hyun
The leading South Korean actor and brand ambassador, Kim Soo Hyun, attended the launch of Ocean Star 39.
This time around, we were invited to Seoul to commemorate the 80th anniversary of MIDO’s Ocean Star family. Heightening the anticipation was a special appearance by South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun, also the first brand ambassador for MIDO Asia, for the launch of the Swiss watchmaking brand’s new Ocean Star 39 model. At L’espace Etnah, the ocean-inspired scenography was fronted by a MIDO logo photo zone, decked with sunbeds and a beach bar, replete with hay parasols, to transport guests to the seaside.
The wave-inspired entrance, echoing the Ocean Star 39’s dial pattern, led us into the immersive indoor space, enveloped by LED screens showcasing moving images of sea creatures swimming in the ocean’s depths. Signifying the emblem of MIDO’s historic expertise in water resistance was a statement-making starfish sculpture, perched alongside thematic decorations and glass cases displaying a myriad of Ocean Star watch models. From a sand art performance to CEO Franz Linder’s welcome speech, the evening hit a high note as Kim took the stage to address guests and give a champagne toast with Linder.
A perfect match with his sharply tailored fitted blue suit, the new Ocean Star 39 on Kim’s wrist is a slimmer rendition of MIDO’s sporty diver’s watch at 39 mm diameter — a first for the Ocean Star collection. Infinitely the most versatile (and chic) Ocean Star variant that is just as reliable, the watch’s refined and slender case features a screw-down case back pictured with MIDO’s famous starfish motif as the watch brand’s badge of honour or emblem.
Other details of the watch’s materials and cutting-edge technologies include a screw-down crown, white Super- LumiNova®, stainless steel, Nivachron™ balance spring for the Calibre 72 and interchangeable bracelet with “diver” extension. Evoking the currents’ movement across the sand, the Ocean Star 39’s distinctive relief dial is rendered in a gradient of black to navy blue with the same colour palette repeating on the unidirectional rotating bezel with an aluminium ring.
“This year marks the 80th anniversary of Ocean Star and I am delighted and excited to be on the meaningful journey together. It was a precious time to fully experience the value beyond the diver watch in a fantastic space as if I deep dived into the ocean,” Kim’s quote in the press release states.
As an actor, Kim’s quick ascent to stardom was propelled by the critical acclaim he received for the numerous roles he played on the small and big screen. After winning many prestigious awards and international recognition, the consummate master of his art was catapulted into icon status in his home nation. Among Kim’s most successful K dramas are Dream High, Moon Embracing The Sun, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay and My Love From The Star, while lauded films like The Thieves and Real have firmly placed him in the spotlight and solidified Kim’s renown as a great talent of his generation.
“I chose to work with MIDO as the Swiss brand transcends fashion and trends with its timeless pieces. It creates collections which are sporty yet elegant, and driven by a dedication to innovation and the quest for perfection,” reads Kim’s statement on the MIDO website. Sharing a strong connection with MIDO in terms of values, he concurs the road to success lies in the smallest of details — perseverance, determination and ambition are needed to achieve goals in striving for precision and the highest level of performance — whether in watchmaking or the artistic realm.
The invited media fraternity was also granted a short interview with Kim to talk about his brand ambassador work, acting career and of course, MIDO timepieces.
L’OFFICIEL: We all came here to celebrate the MIDO event but can you give us a glimpse of your acting plans?
KIM SOO HYUN: I have successfully wrapped up Queen of Tears. There is a new drama planned for next year and I have just started filming Knock Off. This story is about a man who after suffering a financial crisis tries to rebuild his life from scratch and the ground up. I am a little curious about the viewers’ perception of this lead character because he is totally different from the one in Queen of Tears. Please stay tuned and I hope you will enjoy it.
LO: You have been MIDO’s brand ambassador since 2020. What does this event mean to you and how does it feel to be wearing the Ocean Star 39?
KSH: It’s been five years since I have been with MIDO and we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Ocean Star. Eighty years feel so special. I have experienced many different Ocean Star models but I must say my favourite is the newly launched Ocean Star 39 and I am very excited to be wearing it.
LO: How does the Ocean Star 39 fit your lifestyle — is it a watch for everyday use or special occasions, or both?
KSH: I would say that Ocean Star 39 is the best fit as a daily watch. My preference is a watch with a metal bracelet because it complements the suit style as well as casual outfits. The Ocean Star 39 is suitable for special occasions too, and its slim case and smaller case size make it very versatile.
LO: Can you share some special memories you have with MIDO as its brand ambassador?
KSH: I am happy to have attended many different events with MIDO in the past few years after becoming a brand ambassador. At MIDO events, the sets and stages are always exquisite with different themes that match the watches being launched — a speciality of the brand. I have had lots of different experiences with the brand over the years but one that particularly stands out was an event held in Thailand. MIDO organised a fan meeting and if I am not mistaken, there were 60,000 fans of mine there. The excitement of those big-scale events is always very memorable for me.
LO: What features of MIDO watches resonate most with you?
KSH: When I think of MIDO, the first things that come to mind are prestige, reliability or performance, and design. These three elements represent MIDO as a watchmaking brand. Personally, as an actor, my goal is always to garner trust from my colleagues, and trust is also an important factor in the connection between MIDO and me.
