• Women's Studies Review
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.3-42
• /
• 2011

This study aims to analyze the characteristics of transnational cigarette companies' strategies to expand the female market in Korea after the market opening of 1988. Focusing on 'Virginia Slims' and 'Finesse', which are the PM and BAT's representative female brands, this study explores whether their typical advertising strategies were transformed in Korean market. After 3years from the market opening, 'Virginia Slims' gave up its brand identity and the strategy was so successful that 'Virginia Slims' continued to be 2nd best-selling brand in the imported cigarette market in Korea. In contrast, 'Finesse' maintained a typical women's cigarette image during the 1990s and consequently occupied the highest brand awareness as a female cigarette but lower market share than Virginia Slims. TTCs adapted to a doubly obstructed Korea market with its strong taboo against female smoking and a comparatively stronger legal ban on all cigarette ads targeting women. However, diverse indirect cigarette ads and promotions, which circumvented regulations, suggest that ads transforming was not to give up Korean female customers. Furthermore, the cigarette ads that the soft and mild taste of female brands are associated with healthy image rather than gendered image may appeal to Korean women without touching their emotions and desires.