Korea out of the closet: effects of gay-themed ads on young Korean consumers

Abstract

This study examines the effects of gay-themed ads on young Korean consumers. In its evaluation of such ads, the study investigates how attitude toward ads, attitude toward brands, and purchase intention are influenced by gender (male vs. female), tolerance of homosexuality (low vs. high tolerance), and self-construal (independent vs. interdependent self-construal). Findings suggest that a gay-themed ad does not impact how young Korean heterosexual consumers evaluate the ad, the brand, or their purchase intention. Regarding brand evaluation and purchase intention, no statistically significant differences were found between males and females. Concerning a person’s tolerance, those with high tolerance tend to evaluate the ads and brands more favorably and have higher purchase intentions than do those with low tolerance. Concerning a person’s self-construal – independent versus interdependent – the study found no main effects but did discover interaction effects between gender and self-construal and between tolerance and self-construal. Theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.