More than 70% of Korean TV commercials make use of one or more celebrities. Despite the prevalent
use of celebrity endorsements, research on celebrity endorsement is still scarce. This study examines,
via in-depth interviews with 10 advertising practitioners, not only the effectiveness of celebrity
endorsement, but the reasons for using celebrity endorsement, the criteria for selecting a celebrity
endorser, and problems that attend celebrity endorsements. The study finds that advertising
practitioners use celebrity endorsements for the desirable outcomes, such as increased brand or product
awareness, advertising awareness, and sales. When it comes to selecting a celebrity endorser, many
interviewees consider the most important criterion to be fit between a brand and a celebrity endorser.
This was followed by popularity, credibility, and endorsement fee. As far as a threat to celebrity
endorsement, practitioners chose multiple product endorsements and potential negative scandals.
Lastly, the limitations of the study and areas for future research are discussed.