Making WAVES

An exclusive interview with leading South Korean actor and MIDO brand ambassador, Kim Soo Hyun, at the launch of Ocean Star 39 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Ocean Star collection.

- TAN SIOK HOON

This time around, we were invited to Seoul to commemorate the 80th anniversary of MIDO's Ocean Star family. Heightening the anticipation was a special appearance by South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun, also the first brand ambassador for MIDO Asia, for the launch of the Swiss watchmaking brand's new Ocean Star 39 model. At L'espace Etnah, the oceaninspired scenography was fronted by a MIDO logo photo zone, decked with sunbeds and a beach bar, replete with hay parasols, to transport guests to the seaside.

The wave-inspired entrance, echoing the Ocean Star 39's dial pattern, led us into the immersive indoor space, enveloped by LED screens showcasing moving images of sea creatures swimming in the ocean's depths. Signifying the emblem of MIDO's historic expertise in water resistance was a statementmaking starfish sculpture, perched alongside thematic decorations and glass cases displaying a myriad of Ocean Star watch models. From a sand art performance to CEO Franz Linder's welcome speech, the evening hit a high note as Kim took the stage to address guests and give a champagne toast with Linder.

A perfect match with his sharply tailored fitted blue suit, the new Ocean Star 39 on Kim's wrist is a slimmer rendition of MIDO's sporty diver's watch at 39 mm diameter — a first for the Ocean Star collection. Infinitely the most versatile (and chic) Ocean Star variant that is just as reliable, the watch's refined and slender case features a screw-down case back pictured with MIDO's famous starfish motif as the watch brand's badge of honour or emblem.