Lee Da-hae Wows China While Nine Months Pregnant, Helping Drive $20 Billion Won in Sales in Two Hours

With her first daughter due in November, she demonstrated her global influence alongside local influencers

Actress 'Lee Da-hae' showed off her formidable global influence by appearing on a massive Chinese 'Singles' Day' live-commerce broadcast while nine months pregnant, just over a month before the birth of her first daughter. The broadcast recorded astonishing sales of about 20 billion won in just two hours, once again affirming her solid foothold in the local market.

Nine months pregnant, she powered sales of 20 billion won and captivated China

According to entertainment industry sources on the 19th, 'Lee Da-hae' shared photos and reflections from a 'Singles' Day' commemorative live broadcast in Hangzhou, China, the previous day on her social media. In the photos, she looked as beautiful as ever in a pure white dress adorned with sparkling beads. Despite being nine months pregnant, she took part in the local broadcast with meticulous professionalism, earning praise from those at the event.

'Lee Da-hae' said, "I made a last-minute appearance to support the Singles' Day live broadcast of the wonderful Dandan," showing her close friendship with famous Chinese influencer 'Dandan'. She added, "We've formed quite a few connections by now, and it's always so lovely to see you," and, "You kept looking after me and being so considerate, saying how grateful you were that I came all the way to Hangzhou when I'm not on my own." She also said, "I've always thought this, but you're more like an older sister than a younger friend. Let's keep this precious connection going for a long time."

A crew of 500 and five electric cars: the event's massive scale

The broadcast that day was truly massive in scale. More than 500 staff members were brought in, and five electric cars were offered as prizes for viewers, drawing attention. 'Lee Da-hae' vividly described the excitement at the event, saying, "Among all the prizes, those five electric cars shone the brightest," and, "I could only marvel at the incredible scale and passion Dandan and the 500 staff members brought to preparing for just one live broadcast."

The pair's synergy was explosive. Just two hours after the broadcast began, it achieved an astonishing sales total of about 20 billion won. Although that figure represents the total sales from 'Dandan''s broadcast, many observers say 'Lee Da-hae''s full-throated support greatly spurred local consumers' desire to buy and generated a synergistic effect.

Fluent Chinese and careful localization: the keys to success

'Lee Da-hae''s success did not happen overnight. Drawing on her fluent, near-native 'Chinese' and the strong recognition she has built locally over many years, she has steadily carved out a presence in China's 'live-commerce' market. When she appeared on MBC's 2024 variety show 'Radio Star', she said, "Live streaming is widespread in China, but there are many restrictions, including a strict ban on using foreign languages," adding, "As far as I know, among Korean entertainers, only Choo Ja-hyun and I can currently do live broadcasts."

In fact, last May she made headlines by appearing on a broadcast in Korea at 'Dandan''s invitation, arriving by private jet. During the roughly 30 minutes she appeared as a guest, she also pulled off the remarkable feat of generating sales worth 20 billion won. The result of meticulous language preparation and a localization strategy.

A new chapter in life as she prepares to welcome her first daughter, 'Heaven,' in November

Meanwhile, 'Lee Da-hae' married singer 'Se7en' in 2023 after dating for eight years. She announced her pregnancy this May, receiving many congratulations, and named her unborn child 'Heaven'. She is expecting her first daughter this November. Even while heavily pregnant, she is achieving success in both her work and family life, and the public is eagerly supporting and anticipating what she will do next.