Singer Lee Hyo-ri renewed her soju model contract with Lotte Liquor, becoming the longest-serving soju model. She signed her first contract with the company in 2007.

Lee signed her 9th contract for the brand’s signature soju “Like the First Tim,” in a deal that is renewable every six months.

“Lee has made sensational soju of her own like ‘twister soju’ and ‘Hyori soju’ throughout our campaign ‘Shaking the Soju Bottle,’” said a Lotte Liquor official.

According to the company, Lee has contributed to promoting the brand image, bringing in soaring profits with her both sexy and popular image that appeals to all age groups.

“Soju and Lee are the best partners ever,” said the official.

Lee has been regarded as the queen among soju models, who usually model for the liquor for two years at most. Her fellow model Lee Min-jung, for example, was the poster girl for Jinro’s Chamisul from 2009 to 2011.

Lee debuted as a member of the girl group Fin.K.L in 1998 and became a solo artist in 2003.

She has led a successful music career, expanding her scope to include entertainment and reality shows.

Outside of music, Lee has been active in raising awareness about the environment and animal rights.

Lee is next expected to shoot a soju commercial with Kim Jun-hyun and Kim Won-hyo, rising comedians from KBS’ Gag Concert, a comedy skit show.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)