Singer Lim Young Woong was selected as the winner in the Male Advertising Model category at the '2026 Korea First Brand Awards' ceremony. At the event held on January 6, Lim Young Woong received the honor for the second consecutive year, following last year's win. The Korea First Brand Awards is an annual ceremony that selects the most anticipated brands and individuals in various fields through large-scale consumer surveys, making it significant as it reflects consumer awareness and trust.

Lim Young Woong has consistently demonstrated influence beyond music activities, including advertising, performances, and overall brand power. This award is seen as a result supported by public favor and trust beyond his fandom. He has once again proven his value as an advertising model and established himself as a leading blue-chip figure in Korea's advertising industry.

Previously, Lim Young Woong also won two awards simultaneously at the '2025 Korea First Brand Awards' in the Male Solo Singer and Male Advertising Model categories. His consecutive two-year win in the Male Solo Singer category is regarded as proof of his fans' unwavering love and widespread popularity. He has consistently maintained a high ranking in the advertising model brand reputation announced by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, demonstrating strong brand value.

Lim Young Woong also ranked first in the survey of Korea's representative advertising models recommended by active advertisers and marketers. Recognized as the top model among advertising industry experts, he contributes to sales increases as the model for various brands such as Sunshine-filled Chungjungone and Hana Financial Group.

From January 16 to 18, Lim Young Woong will hold the 'IM HERO' concert at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, followed by performances from February 6 to 8 at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 1 and 2 in Busan. Ahead of the Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome concert, a large-scale promotional campaign has been launched. A giant banner advertisement has been posted on the exterior wall of Gocheok Sky Dome, and digital pillar video advertisements are being simultaneously broadcast at 50 major subway stations in Seoul.

This campaign, featuring Lim Young Woong's signature blue color prominently, leaves a strong impression through repeated exposure in the heart of the bustling city. The subway advertisements operate at a total of 23 stations and 50 media units, focusing on major lines from Line 1 to Line 5. The broadcast period runs from December 30 of last year to January 18, naturally delivering concert information along with musical messages.

Lim Young Woong is a figure who perfectly combines advertising model, performance brand, and fandom power, once again proving the purpose of the First Brand Awards as "the person to lead 2026." Attention is focused on his activities both on and off the stage.