A Hyundai advertisement, “First Date,” the humorous 2016 spot created by INNOCEAN US, has been recognized as one of the top 10 most memorable Super Bowl ads of the past decade, highlighting the agency’s global creative impact.
“First Date” humorously portrays a father using the Genesis G80’s car tracking feature to monitor his daughter’s date. Comedian Kevin Hart plays the protective father, delivering a performance that resonated with audiences. The ad was praised for seamlessly integrating the Genesis’s technology within its comedic storyline.
“Since good advertisements create a long-lasting impression in consumers’ minds, we will continue to strive to showcase the best distinctive creative work in the global market,” said INNOCEAN Global CEO William Lee.
Memorable Super Bowl Ads
Following the recent conclusion of the Super Bowl, a survey conducted by independent agencies VCCP and Cowry Consulting ranked the Hyundai ad fourth in memorability among 1,000 U.S. residents, following Budweiser, Doritos, and Heinz.
Notably, Hyundai was the only automotive brand included in the top 10 most memorable ads from the Big Game.
During its debut in the 2016 Super Bowl, “First Date” generated significant buzz, ranking first in USA Today Ad Meter’s ad preference survey. It was the first automotive brand advertisement and the first non-U.S. company to achieve this distinction. Its enduring popularity is reflected in its high ranking nearly a decade later.
Another Hyundai ad from 2016, “The Chase,” also produced by INNOCEAN, remains widely discussed. The commercial, featuring two men escaping a bear using the Genesis’s remote start function, has accumulated 18 million views on YouTube—maintaining the highest view count among all Super Bowl ads to date.
Since becoming the first Korean advertising agency to produce a Super Bowl commercial in 2010, INNOCEAN has consistently gained industry recognition with fresh and engaging creative work. In 2017, its Kia commercial ranked first in Super Bowl ad popularity, and in 2020, Hyundai and Kia ads secured the 2nd and 8th spots, respectively. Last year, Kia’s “Perfect 10” commercial featuring the electric SUV EV9 was the highest-ranked automotive ad and third overall.
This year, JEEP and RAM were the only other automotive brands to air Super Bowl commercials. Meanwhile, Kia has leveraged online marketing with score predictions by quarter, and Hyundai has focused on AFC/NFC Championship Games as a key advertising platform since 2020. To optimize return on investment, automakers are increasingly employing digital marketing strategies to target specific consumer segments before and after the Super Bowl.
INNOCEAN continues to showcase its creative capabilities beyond the Super Bowl, earning recognition at international advertising festivals. Last year, the agency secured the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes Lions, the world’s leading advertising awards competition, further cementing its position as a top-tier global marketing solutions company.
The Super Bowl remains one of the world’s largest sporting events, attracting over 100 million viewers in the U.S. annually. With over 50 global brands participating each year, it serves as the premier advertising stage, drawing international attention beyond the North American market.
Most Memorable Super Bowl Ads of the Past Decade
- Budweiser – Puppy Love, 2014
- State Farm – Like a Good Neighbaaa, 2024
- The Farmer’s Dog – Forever, 2023
- Hyundai – First Date, 2016
- Mr Clean – You Gotta Love a Man Who Cleans, 2017
- Heinz – Wiener Stampede, 2016
- Doritos – Ultrasound, 2016
- E-trade Morgan Stanley – Pickleball Babies, 2022
- M&Ms – Human, 2018
- Planters – Crunch Time, 2019
