The Cutest Mouse in the World, 'Mickey Mouse'... From the Distribution Industry to the Financial Sector

From Cosmetics to Fashion and Golf
'Casual Moves' Even in the Conservative Financial Industry
Friendly and Positive Image

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As the year 2020, the Year of the White Rat, Gyeongja Year (庚子年), dawns, Mickey Mouse is receiving renewed attention. With his friendly voice, large ears, and eyes, Mickey Mouse is one of the leading characters representing the Walt Disney Company. His girlfriend, Minnie Mouse, is also very popular in domestic and international retail markets. Their positive image?smart, wise, and caring for friends?is another reason they are welcomed in the retail industry.

The predecessor of Mickey Mouse was a mouse character named Mortimer Mouse. Walt Disney first introduced this character in a scenario called "The Mad Airplane," inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s successful transatlantic flight in 1927. Mickey Mouse did not gain much popularity through "The Mad Airplane," but began to attract attention in 1928 with the first sound cartoon, "Steamboat Willie." Seeing Mickey Mouse’s star potential, Walt Disney planned hundreds of products in the 1930s, including dolls and toothbrushes, which became a huge hit. From then on, Mickey Mouse established himself as Disney’s representative character and one of the most famous characters worldwide.

Natural cosmetics brand Innisfree launched a limited edition "Hello 2020 Mickey and Friends Collection" in collaboration with Disney to celebrate the Year of the Rat. This collection includes limited edition makeup items such as the "Lively Blusher Palette" and "Pore Blur Powder," featuring Disney’s signature characters. Inspired by the couples Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, the collection also includes four types of "Real Color Nail" with added point glitters, a "My Lip Balm 2-piece Set" combining the best scents and colors, and two types of "Vivid Shine Tint," all capturing the charm of Disney characters in the color cosmetics line.

Fashion brand Jiyu released the "Mickey Mouse Collaboration Collection" to commemorate the Year of the Rat, featuring popular Walt Disney characters. This collection consists of 18 items, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and two designs of pajamas. Prices range from 19,900 KRW to 29,900 KRW. There are fresh pink-colored sweatshirts suitable for spring and women’s pajamas inspired by Mickey Mouse playing music. The designs vary from simple styles with minimal character prints on chest pockets to designs featuring large-sized characters and logos on the front.

Volvik introduced the "Mickey Mouse New Year Edition" in collaboration with Disney Korea. Featuring Mickey Mouse exercising, it conveys the meaning of a healthier and happier life. The set includes four colored golf balls in popular Vivid colors?Ruby, Orange, Yellow, and Green?each paired with a four-sided Mickey Mouse ball marker. Ball markers are part of golf etiquette, marking the position of the ball so other golfers do not get confused. The set is considered a collectible and is reportedly increasing in orders as a gift item.

Not only in the retail industry but also in the financial sector, Mickey Mouse attracted attention as a symbol representing the Year of the Rat. On the morning of the 2nd, KEB Hana Bank President Ji Sung-kyu welcomed employees arriving for their first workday of the new year while wearing a Mickey Mouse headband. President Ji personally wore the Mickey Mouse headband and greeted the staff in a humble manner. To celebrate the Gyeongja Year, the Year of the Rat, and to wish for health and happiness, he gifted employees with Mighty Mouse dolls symbolizing the "strong rat" and rice cakes. He also took time to share various stories from the "New Year’s Wish Board," written by branch employees, exchanging well-wishes with them.