K-pop girl group IVE's Jang Won-young / Yonhap

Woori Bank has selected Jang Won-young, 21, a member of the girl group IVE, as a brand ambassador, setting up a friendly rivalry with fellow IVE member An Yu-jin, 22, who represents Hana Financial Group.

According to the Chosun Ilbo on Thursday, Jang recently signed an advertising model contract with Woori Bank and will represent the brand for the next year. She completed filming the commercial last month, and the campaign is set to be released later this month.

A banking industry official said, "Jang Won-young fits Woori Bank's image well, and her name also resembles Woori's ‘WON Banking' platform. She was also eager to work with a financial brand, which led to her selection."

Currently, IU serves as the main model for Woori Financial Group, the parent company of Woori Bank, while the six-member boy group RIIZE also promotes for the bank. Jang will work alongside RIIZE to enhance Woori Bank's brand image.

Meanwhile, An Yu-jin has been modeling for Woori Bank's competitor, Hana Financial Group, since June 2023. At the time of her selection, Hana Financial Group said, "An Yu-jin's bright and healthy image aligns well with our core value of being a financial group that spreads positive energy to society."

Jang's modeling fee is reportedly in the multibillion won range, similar to An's. A banking industry official said, "Since Jang and An have distinct images, they are expected to engage in friendly competition as the faces of rival financial institutions."

IVE's An Yu-jin poses during a press conference for the release of the group's third EP "Ive Empathy" at Conrad Seoul in Yeouido on Feb. 3. Yonhap

This article is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.