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"Insane casting" Son Heung Min, G-Dragon, Lim Young Woong, Kang Ho Dong, An Yu Jin, and Ha Jung Woo unite in unconventional ‘Korean film’
BY K-Soul · April 17, 2026
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A nine-minute video directed by Ha Jung Woo has surpassed 6 million views in just six days since its release, overturning the conventional formula of advertising. Produced in the format of a short film, the content spread rapidly upon its debut.
Marking its 20th anniversary, Hana Financial Group opted for a bold, unconventional approach. Ha Jung Woo, known for his dual career as an actor and director, helmed the project, which was released under the title “Hana Universe.” Rather than focusing on product explanations, the video places narrative structure at its core.
Set aboard an airplane, the story unfolds through a series of comedic situations that naturally convey its message. The progression of scenes mirrors that of a film, creating a tone distinct from typical promotional content.
The cast alone is enough to raise eyebrows. Son Heung Min, G-Dragon, and Lim Young Woong appear together on screen, joined by Kang Ho Dong and An Yu Jin. The unexpected combination of stars from vastly different fields and industries quickly became a major talking point following its release. For a short promotional video, the weight of its casting alone sets it apart.
“Hana Universe” runs approximately nine minutes—longer than standard advertisements—but its narrative-driven structure keeps viewers engaged throughout. Key services such as Hana Nara Love Card, Hana Gold Trust, Hana Pension Doctor, Hana The Next, and Travelog are seamlessly integrated into the storyline.
This approach marks a departure from traditional financial industry advertising, which typically emphasizes product details. Instead, the video prioritizes story and characters.
According to Hana Financial Group, the video was released on April 10 via its official YouTube channel, Hana TV. As of April 16, the main video has recorded around 5.15 million views, while the teaser has garnered approximately 7.6 million views, bringing the combined total to over 12 million.
Viewer reactions have also poured in. Comments include, “I ended up watching the entire ad,” “The cast lineup is impressive,” and “It’s more immersive than expected.” Some viewers also expressed surprise at the unlikely combination of celebrities.
Ha Jung Woo has previously directed works such as 'Fasten Your Seatbelt,' 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant,' 'Lobby,' and 'The People Upstairs.' In this project, he once again applies a cinematic approach, delivering a format that stands apart from conventional advertising. Notably, 'The People Upstairs' received recognition at the London Asian Film Festival.
Although created to commemorate Hana Group’s 20th anniversary, the video has drawn attention for its distinct approach—favoring storytelling over brief, message-driven promotion. In particular, the commercial references a famous comedic scene from Fasten Your Seatbelt, in which a doctor is urgently called during an in-flight emergency—only to be revealed as an ophthalmologist, delivering an unexpected punchline.
The scene was widely loved upon the film’s release for its distinctly “B-grade” comedic style, blending absurdity with sharp timing.
“Hana Universe” is available on Hana Financial Group’s official YouTube channel, Hana TV.
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