Perplexity AI Launches a Bold Ad Campaign with 'Squid Game' Star to Challenge Google

Introduction: The New Ad Campaign by Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI has taken a bold step in reshaping the digital advertising landscape with its innovative new campaign featuring Lee Jung-jae, the celebrated actor from the hit Netflix series *Squid Game*. By leveraging Jung-jae’s international fame, Perplexity aims to expand its reach across diverse markets, including the U.S., Korea, Japan, and Europe. This year-long campaign, in partnership with Lee Jung-jae's company, Artist United, cleverly parodies Google’s traditional search format, presenting Perplexity’s AI-powered search engine as a superior alternative. The ad uses humor and pop culture references to engage audiences, depicting a game-like scenario familiar to *Squid Game* fans [1](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

The campaign creatively critiques Google's search methodology by rebranding it as "Poogle," a satire underscored by showcasing how Google's past AI blunders contrast with Perplexity's efficient direct-answer system. Such a humorous take not only highlights Perplexity’s capabilities but also resonates with users frustrated with conventional search engines that typically bombard them with endless links. The ad's storyline humorously parallels Jung-jae's intense *Squid Game* challenges with navigating traditional search engines, accentuating Perplexity’s edge in providing instant, reliable information [1](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

As the ad continues to roll out globally, it aligns itself with a growing trend in consumer preference for AI-driven tools that offer direct, conversational interaction. This campaign not only enhances Perplexity's visibility but also serves as a strategic move to position itself as a modern competitor amidst the quickly expanding field of AI search engines. By capitalizing on the excitement surrounding the upcoming *Squid Game* season, Perplexity not only captures attention but also sparks conversations about the future of AI in our daily digital interactions [1](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

Spotlight on Perplexity AI: Revolutionary Search Engine Technology

Perplexity AI has emerged as a disruptive force in the world of search engines, leveraging artificial intelligence to redefine how users access information online. Unlike traditional search engines that populate results with an array of hyperlinks, Perplexity provides users with direct, conversational responses, simplifying the search experience. This innovation not only challenges the status quo set by giants like Google but also aligns with the growing consumer preference for AI-driven solutions. Indeed, a significant portion of internet users now opt for AI-enhanced searches, appreciating the immediacy and relevance of intelligent responses. Perplexity’s capabilities are further emphasized through their futuristic voice interaction model, catering to a more intuitive user experience .

In a strategic move to bolster its brand recognition and challenge Google’s long-standing dominance, Perplexity AI launched a clever ad campaign featuring Lee Jung-jae, the iconic actor from *Squid Game*. This campaign uniquely parodies Google, transformed humorously into 'Poogle', to highlight Perplexity’s advantages. By orchestrating this campaign with a globally recognized figure, Perplexity aims to attract worldwide attention and cement its position in the emerging market for AI-powered search engines. The collaboration with Jung-jae’s Artist United reflects a long-term strategic partnership designed to enhance the Perplexity brand internationally, with regional adaptations to cater to diverse audiences across the U.S., Korea, Japan, and Europe .

The humor and sophistication of Perplexity's campaign touch on broader societal and technological themes, addressing concerns over the efficacy of AI-driven content and its challenges to established internet staples like Google. By engaging in this playful yet profound critique, Perplexity highlights its proficiency while subtly emphasizing the limitations and humorous blunders associated with traditional search engines, such as the notorious Google AI mishap involving a pizza recipe that included glue as an ingredient. This strategic positioning not only aims to inform and entertain but also to drive discussion about the evolving role of AI in daily digital interactions .

Squid Game Connection: Lee Jung-jae's Role in the Campaign

The recent ad campaign launched by Perplexity AI has stirred waves of excitement and curiosity by featuring none other than Lee Jung-jae, the iconic star from the cultural phenomenon *Squid Game*. Lee's involvement in the campaign isn't just a casting coup but a brilliant strategic decision that bridges popular culture with advanced technology. His role as the face of Perplexity AI aligns with the anticipation building around the next season of *Squid Game*, drawing attention from fans worldwide [1](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai). In this campaign, Lee embodies a character navigating a fictional game-like scenario, akin to his role in the series, but this time the challenge lies in choosing the best AI-powered search option. This imaginative connection not only resonates with audiences but also reinforces Perplexity's position as an innovative and entertaining challenger in the AI search landscape [1](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

In lampooning Google's search capabilities by featuring a "Poogle" alternative, Lee Jung-jae's presence imbues the campaign with humor and familiarity, capturing the public's imagination. The collaboration with Jung-jae's company, Artist United, extends beyond mere advertising, suggesting a year-long engagement that promises to keep the public engaged and entertained across multiple platforms globally, including in countries like Korea, Japan, and the U.S. [1](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai). Artist United's involvement indicates a deeper synergy between celebrity influence and tech ingenuity, a combination that Perplexity AI hopes will cement its growing brand presence across diverse markets.

Furthermore, the campaign leverages the cultural weight of *Squid Game*, using Lee Jung-jae's global recognition to infuse the ad with cultural relevance and potential appeal across a broad demographic spectrum. The ad’s narrative cleverly uses the juxtaposition of traditional search engines with Perplexity’s advanced AI capabilities to highlight a shift in consumer preferences towards direct, efficient, and engaging search experiences [1](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai). By tapping into the collective excitement surrounding both Perplexity's innovations and *Squid Game*, the campaign positions itself as a frontrunner in the race against conventional search engine paradigms, building a bridge from cinematic suspense to real-world technological advancement.

Parodying the Giant: Google's Portrayal in the Ad

In a bold and humorous approach, Perplexity AI has taken aim at tech giant Google through an innovative advertisement that cleverly parodies the famous search engine. Featuring *Squid Game* star Lee Jung-jae, the ad humorously renames Google as "Poogle," setting a contrasting tone that underscores Perplexity's AI-powered capability to deliver direct answers rather than just providing a list of links. This creative portrayal is part of a year-long campaign, aiming not only to engage audiences but also to amplify Perplexity's brand as a serious contender in the AI search engine sphere. You can explore more about this exciting campaign on TechRadar [here](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

The advertisement goes beyond mere parody as it leverages Lee Jung-jae's widespread appeal and the immense popularity of *Squid Game*. In the ad, Jung-jae is placed in a set reminiscent of the series, drawing viewers into a familiar yet distinctly different narrative that highlights Perplexity's innovative technology. By tapping into the cultural impact of *Squid Game*, Perplexity AI aims to resonate with a global audience, particularly in markets like Korea, Japan, the U.S., and Europe where the series and the actor have substantial fan bases. This clever use of cultural references along with a high-profile celebrity presence works to establish Perplexity as a rapidly emerging player capable of challenging Google's longstanding dominance in the search engine industry. Learn more about the ad's intricate details in the full article at TechRadar [here](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

For Perplexity, parodying Google isn't just about pointing out flaws but also showcasing its strengths in AI-driven search capabilities. The advertisement highlights a past embarrassment faced by Google, where an AI model mistakenly suggested glue as a pizza ingredient, leveraging this humorous incident to emphasize Perplexity’s accuracy and reliability. By anchoring its messaging in humor and technological prowess, Perplexity not only positions itself as a superior alternative to Google's traditional link-based search but also engages a tech-savvy audience eager for innovation. Discover more insights about Perplexity's strategic advertising approach and its implications in the TechRadar article available [here](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

Where to Watch: Global Launch of the Ad

The global launch of Perplexity AI's latest ad campaign, featuring the popular *Squid Game* actor Lee Jung-jae, is being eagerly anticipated by audiences worldwide. Initially unveiled in the United States on March 18, 2025, the ad is set to captivate viewers across Korea, Japan, and Europe in the following ten days, with localized versions crafted to resonate with each specific regional audience. The strategic rollout highlights the international appeal of both the campaign and its star, leveraging Lee Jung-jae's immense popularity to enhance visibility and engagement. His iconic presence, juxtaposed with the humorous jab at traditional search engines like "Poogle", positions the ad as a cultural touchstone in the competitive landscape of AI search technology .

For those looking to watch the ad, a YouTube link is conveniently embedded within coverage articles, allowing fans and curious viewers alike to experience the campaign's wit and innovative showcase of AI capabilities firsthand. Such accessibility ensures that even as different regional versions roll out, the core message of Perplexity AI's strength in providing direct, reliable responses remains uniform and clear. Through this global distribution strategy, Perplexity not only expands its geographical reach but also seeks to redefine AI's role in everyday digital searches, making advanced technological interaction more relatable and engaging for a diverse global audience .

Artist United and Perplexity: A Year-Long Partnership

The partnership between Artist United and Perplexity AI marks a significant milestone in both the entertainment and technology sectors. By incorporating advanced AI capabilities into their operations, Artist United is poised to redefine how content is researched and generated. This collaboration allows Perplexity AI to gain exposure in creative industries, leveraging Lee Jung-jae's immense popularity and his influence in Asia to foster brand recognition and trust. The partnership is particularly strategic as it taps into the evolving landscape where technology and entertainment converge, promising mutual benefits and innovative breakthroughs in AI application within artistic realms. Further information can be found in the article here.

Throughout this year-long collaboration, Perplexity AI and Artist United are expected to achieve unprecedented synergies. The integration of AI technology into media production not only enhances efficiency but also opens avenues for new creative expressions and audience interactions. By aligning with Artist United, Perplexity positions itself at the forefront of transforming how stories are told, ensuring that their search engine capabilities remain both innovative and relevant in a rapidly changing digital market. This relationship not only highlights the dynamic possibilities in cross-industry partnerships but also underscores the crucial role AI plays in elevating the artistic process, as detailed in the TechRadar article.

Industry Reactions: Impact of AI on Traditional Platforms

The proliferation of AI technology has significantly altered the landscape for traditional platforms, prompting heterogeneous reactions across industries. For traditional search engines like Google, the rise of AI-driven alternatives such as Perplexity AI signals a paradigm shift in user expectations and engagement. In response, Google's introduction of new AI search options, like "Info Sleuth" and "QTalk," is an attempt to reclaim its dominance by offering more intuitive, user-friendly search experiences. However, as detailed in tech analyses, Google's position as the leading search tool is being contested, a development that showcases the competitive pressure exerted by AI innovations ([link](https://yourstory.com/2025/03/ai-search-revolution-google-decline)).

Traditional advertising models are also being challenged by the integration of AI, as companies such as Estée Lauder and Adobe explore AI-powered campaigns. This shift is reflective not only of technological advancements but also of evolving consumer expectations for personalized and direct engagement. New tools aimed at safeguarding creative integrity against AI-driven content scraping, as developed by TollBit, illustrate the industry's recognition of AI's disruptive capabilities and the need for adaptive measures ([link](https://www.adweek.com/category/artificial-intelligence/)).

The expansive reach and success of AI-powered search engines, utilized by a quarter of Americans, demonstrate a growing preference for innovation over traditional link-based results. This trend reflects the broader shift towards AI in various industries, highlighting the demand for more accurate and immediate answers provided by technologies like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini ([link](https://yourstory.com/2025/03/ai-search-revolution-google-decline)).

Meanwhile, the AI-driven transformation is markedly influencing SEO strategies, compelling experts to re-evaluate standard practices in favor of those that align with AI algorithms. Google's efforts to remain competitive through features like Search Generative Experience and AI Mode exemplify this evolution, necessitating agile adaptation by SEO specialists to sustain visibility across platforms ([link](https://cosmicmeta.io/2025/02/25/ai-powered-search-engines-can-they-finally-challenge-google/)).

Public Reception: Positive Feedback and Ethical Concerns

The public reception of Perplexity AI's recent advertising campaign has been largely positive, particularly due to its creativity and humorous presentation. Featuring Lee Jung-jae from the sensation *Squid Game*, the ad cleverly caricatures Google as "Poogle," portraying it as less effective compared to Perplexity's AI-powered search capabilities. This tactic resonates with audiences who are increasingly frustrated with traditional search engines. For many, the ad's humor and playful jab at Google's infamous pizza glue suggestion faux pas have amplified its appeal in both Western and Asian markets, significantly increasing its visibility and attention. Lee Jung-jae's involvement has not only made the campaign more relatable, especially in Korea and other Asian markets, but also underscored the potential for AI-driven search engines as serious contenders to traditional internet behemoths like Google. Numerous reviews have lauded this innovative and daring approach, praising its potential to shift consumer habits towards more efficient and direct AI interactions. More insights can be found in the article at TechRadar.

However, the campaign has not been without its critics. Ethical concerns have been raised regarding the sensationalist portrayal of Google's AI mishaps, which some see as fear-mongering rather than healthy competition. The stylized narrative might inadvertently trivialize the importance of addressing real AI errors and inaccuracies. Additionally, lingering accusations of plagiarism linked to Perplexity, though not directly related to the ad, still cloud its reception and raise questions about the ethical considerations surrounding AI in digital content creation. Such concerns remind both users and developers of the broader responsibility tied to AI technology, urging a cautionary approach to avoid misuse and emphasizing transparency in AI deployments. These ethical debates underscore the importance of ensuring that competitive marketing tactics don’t overshadow genuine innovation and trust-building. Further ethical reflections on the campaign are discussed in articles like the one from The Verge.

Economic, Social, and Political Impacts: Future Implications

The ever-evolving landscape of technology continues to shape our economic, social, and political environments, calling for a closer examination of its future implications. The technological advancements in AI demonstrated by Perplexity AI's recent campaign reflect the potential for AI-driven search engines to not only capture market share from established players like Google but also redefine user interactions on the internet. Economically, this shift could lead to substantial changes in advertising expenditures, as brands and marketers pivot towards leveraging AI-powered platforms for their promotional strategies. The success of such campaigns might encourage a reevaluation of traditional advertising models, pushing incumbents to explore innovative monetization and engagement strategies that align with the growing consumer preference for direct answers over link-based results. By adapting to these changes, businesses can secure a competitive edge in the increasingly AI-centric market. [Explore more](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

Socially, the campaign underscores the broader public's hesitance and curiosity regarding AI's capabilities. By humorously portraying AI errors, like Google's inclusion of glue as a pizza topping, Perplexity raises important discussions about AI's reliability and the potential risks associated with its integration into daily life. The use of a widely recognized celebrity, Lee Jung-jae, to communicate these messages adds complexity to public perception, potentially trivializing critical conversations about AI accountability. However, it also serves as a catalyst for increasing awareness and encouraging a well-rounded understanding of the ethical implications of AI. Such campaigns can drive societal introspection on the role of technology, fostering dialogues that balance the benefits and limitations of AI's integration into societal norms. [Read more](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).

The political landscape is not immune to the impacts of AI's ascendancy. As AI-powered tools become pivotal in information dissemination, concerns regarding data manipulation and biased content gain prominence. Campaigns like Perplexity's highlight the power wielded by search engines, emphasizing the need for international regulatory measures to safeguard democratic processes against misuse of technology. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the pressure mounts on policymakers to develop ethical standards and guidelines to ensure that the benefits of AI are realized in a manner that upholds social justice and equity. The consolidation of control in the hands of a few tech giants poses significant challenges, urging governments and regulatory bodies to proactively engage in shaping the future of AI governance. [Learn more](https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/new-ad-declares-squid-games-real-winner-is-perplexity-ai).