Singer Park Guyoon, Judo Athletes Kim Jisoo and Heo Mimi Appointed as Gyeongbuk Ambassadors: "Will Promote Gyeongbuk's Appeal Ahead of APEC"

Trot singer Park Guyoon and Paris Olympic medalists Heo Mimi and Kim Jisoo have become the new faces of Gyeongbuk Province. Gyeongbuk Province has brought together talented individuals active in culture and sports to strengthen its global promotional strategy.

On the morning of May 21, Gyeongbuk Province appointed singer Park Guyoon and judo athletes Heo Mimi and Kim Jisoo as Gyeongsangbuk-do ambassadors at the provincial government office.

(From left) Player Kim Jisoo, singer Park Guyoon, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo, player Heo Mimi

These individuals, each with significant public recognition and influence in their respective fields, have been tasked with serving as ambassadors to promote the appeal of Gyeongbuk both domestically and internationally ahead of the 2025 APEC Summit, which will be held in Gyeongju this year.

Park Guyoon is a popular singer loved by trot fans for hit songs such as "Bboonigo" and "Namukkun." He has built his public profile through appearances on major TV programs such as MBN's "Current Singer King" and KBS's "Immortal Songs." As the son of composer Park Hyunjin from Cheongsong, Gyeongbuk, Park Guyoon has established a solid musical foundation and has previously served as an ambassador for Yeongyang County and Gimcheon City Council.

At the ambassador appointment ceremony, Park Guyoon expressed his gratitude by saying, "I am thankful for the opportunity to widely promote Gyeongbuk's music and culture. I will do my best to help many people experience the charm of Gyeongbuk."

Heo Mimi, who was also appointed as an ambassador, is a national judo athlete who won a silver medal in the individual event and a bronze medal in the team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Currently a member of the Gyeongbuk Sports Council judo team, she has distinguished herself on the international stage by winning a gold medal in the individual event at the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Championships.

Notably, Heo Mimi has a deep connection to Gyeongbuk: her great-grandfather Heo Seok was an independence activist from Gunwi, and her younger sister Heo Mio is also a judo athlete with the Gyeongbuk Sports Council.

Heo Mimi stated, "As an ambassador, I will do my best to promote not only Gyeongbuk's sports but also its traditions and spirit."

Kim Jisoo, who won a bronze medal in the team event at the Paris Olympics, has also taken on the important role of Gyeongbuk ambassador. As a member of the Gyeongbuk Sports Council judo team, he upheld the pride of Korean judo on the international stage by winning a gold medal in the individual event at the 2023 Kazakhstan Grand Slam.

After winning his Olympic medal, Kim Jisoo gained further recognition by appearing on popular shows such as tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" and KBS's "Morning Forum." Through his activities as an ambassador, he is expected to help promote the appeal of Gyeongbuk.

Kim Jisoo said, "I will work hard to let many people know about Gyeongbuk's beautiful nature and cultural heritage and to fully showcase the province's charm."

At the appointment ceremony, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheolwoo remarked, "Park Guyoon, Heo Mimi, and Kim Jisoo are individuals who have achieved outstanding results in their respective fields. I am pleased to appoint them as ambassadors who can introduce the appeal of Gyeongsangbuk-do from various perspectives. Through their global influence, we will be able to showcase the excellence of Gyeongbuk in tourism, culture, sports, and more to the world."

Gyeongbuk Province expects that the appointment of these ambassadors will serve as a bridgehead for the successful hosting of the 2025 APEC Summit. The newly appointed ambassadors will engage in a variety of promotional activities for Gyeongbuk, including the production of promotional materials and participation in various events.

The province anticipates that these three ambassadors, leveraging their recognition and influence in the fields of culture and sports, will play a significant role in promoting Gyeongbuk's appeal both domestically and internationally. In particular, with the international event of the 2025 APEC Summit approaching, their activities are expected to play a crucial role in elevating Gyeongbuk's status.