AdStars 2011 takes place this week in Busan, Korea – 1,267 ads shortisted for the final judging with Grand Prix winners receiving $10,000 each

With its upcoming opening in just a week, AD STARS 2011 is advancing toward the successful staging of the final round of judging. AD STARS entries grew nearly 31% to 7,130 this year and final judging will commence on Tuesday this week.

Celebrating its 4th anniversary this year, the festival will be held from August 25 to 27th at the Busan Haeundae Grand Hotel and on Haeundae beach. A total of 1,267 works have advanced to the final round after fierce preliminary round competitions screened by a jury of 105 judges. These works will compete in the final round for the grand prizes of US$10,000 each in three categories.

“As many of this year’s entries were already recognized as successful campaigns and have been in the spotlight in their home countries, people here in Korea can now see the pioneering ideas that lead the trends and culture in many countries,” said Lee, Eui-ja, co-chairperson of the executive committee.

The jury in Busan contains 25 leading creative directors from 16 countries lead by Neil French.

Lee, Eui-ja also said:”AD STARS 2011 will offer various programs for the enjoyment of not only advertising practitioners, but also the general public. To help ordinary citizens see and feel the trends of ideas from around the world, the works that will compete in the final will be on display for public viewing on the second floor of the Busan Haeundae Grand Hotel. In addition, we have organized lots of attractions and experience programs to entertain Busan citizens, travelers and visitors in conjunction with the festival.”

The organizing committee, for the first time ever, will install a public brand promotion center on Haeundae beach for the general public to view major countries’ city brand campaigns for free in a cool and pleasant environment. Beach AD Night will screen the world’s finest ads, stage concerts, and conduct quiz and giveaway events. Of particular note, a special concert by Kim Do-hyang, a promotional ambassador for the festival, has attracted strong interest from those who love advertising and music.

To attend the festival, anyone can register online via the website.