Hyun Bin and Song Hye-kyo had viewers hooked with this sweet ad — long before their iconic K-Drama romance

Before we fell in love with Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, there was another couple that stole the early 2000s era: Hyun Bin and Song Hye-kyo. Before their show Worlds Within, they starred in a sweet, memorable K-Beauty commercial. The ad was an atmospheric campaign for Aritaum, a K-beauty brand under Amorepacific.

At the time, their on-screen chemistry was unmistakable—and the fact that they would go on to date in real life only added to the commercial’s mystique in retrospect.

The ad that felt like a K-Drama

Released in 2008, the Aritaum ad was a full story. There were subtle close-ups, glances, and soft cinematic glow.  Song Hye-kyo, who was already established at the time, was the face of the brand. But casting Hyun Bin alongside her gave the campaign a storybook quality.  The winter visuals, minimal dialogue, and fun of the production captured what beauty brands now strive for—emotional storytelling with maximum aesthetic impact.

A favourite among fans

Even now, years later, fans look back on the ad as a standout. It’s often reposted online during anniversary dates or when nostalgia for old-school Hallyu hits. The duo’s natural ease and that faint suggestion of romantic tension made it feel like a teaser for a full drama that, sadly, never happened.

Nevertheless, it’s 2025 and the both the stars are practically the symbols of South Korean entertainment, as Song Hye-kyo starred in sensational dramas such as Descendants of the Sun and The Glory, and Hyun Bin made waves with Crash Landing on You, which found love overseas. The actor is now happily married to Son Ye-jin, too.