HS Ad & Carat Hong Kong score US$20 million 2010 Seoul Metropolitan Government account

It was a full service pitch and the overall billings are worth US$20 million.

Carat will be responsible for the media planning and buying across Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and India. Malaysia may also be included at a later stage. The account will include on and off-line media planning and buying and will be coordinated out of the Carat Hong Kong office.

Last year HS Ad won the business, working with another media network for some of the markets, and Carat for Japan. Carat Hong Kong explained that having a strong working relationship with HS Ad for the Japan market and also working together on Korean Air, encouraged HS Ad to invite Carat to pitch with them this year.

“We were very proud to partner with HS Ad to help them retain this prestigious client, and together we look forward to continuing to promote Seoul as a destination to the region,” said James Smyllie, regional business director, Carat Hong Kong. The agency will attend the rebriefing of their assignment this week.

Following on from 2009, SMG is looking to build on the ‘Infinitely Yours, Seoul’ concept developed alongside HS Ad. The 2010 campaign will include tourism marketing support and sports sponsorship plans and will be developed along with events such as World Design Council 2010 and the G20 Summit.