"Prodigy of Korean Traditional Music" Kim Taeyeon Appointed as Jung-gu Public Relations Ambassador in Seoul

Promoting the Charm of Jung-gu,
Where Tradition and Modernity Meet

On June 24, Jung-gu District in Seoul announced that on the previous day, it had appointed Kim Taeyeon, a traditional Korean musician and trot singer, as the second Jung-gu public relations ambassador.

Kim Taeyeon (second from left), appointed as an ambassador, and Kim Gilseong, Mayor of Jung-gu (center). Provided by Jung-gu.

Kim Taeyeon, currently a student at the National Middle School of Traditional Arts, is recognized as a next-generation talent in Korean traditional music. She has distinguished herself in pansori and traditional music since childhood, earning the nickname "prodigy of Korean traditional music." She has demonstrated her strong abilities by sweeping grand prizes and gold medals at various traditional music and pansori competitions. In particular, she has drawn attention for her profound vocal tone and stable stage presence.

She became known to the public after winning the top prize in the Jeongeup episode of KBS’s "National Singing Contest," and captivated viewers with her powerful performances and pure charm on TV Chosun’s "Miss Trot 2." Her broad musical spectrum, which allows her to perform not only traditional music but also a range of genres such as trot and ballads, is considered one of her greatest strengths.

Currently serving as a regional ambassador in Jeongeup and Sunchang in North Jeolla Province, and Goheung in South Jeolla Province, Kim Taeyeon will now also be active in Seoul’s Jung-gu through this appointment. Starting with a congratulatory performance at the third anniversary ceremony of the 8th popularly elected administration on July 1, she plans to participate in promotional videos for the district and major events and festivals such as "Jeongdong Night Walk" and "Junggu Harmony Festival," continuing her active role.

Kim Taeyeon expressed, "I am truly delighted to be able to promote Jung-gu, the heart of Seoul," and added, "I will widely share the charm of Jung-gu, where tradition and modernity coexist, through my music." She also said, "Jung-gu is like a second hometown to me. Jungnim-dong in Jung-gu was the first place I settled when I came to Seoul, and during the difficult early days of my broadcasting career, it was the place that embraced my mother and me," highlighting her special connection with the district.

Meanwhile, in February, Jung-gu appointed foreign broadcasters Lucky, Alberto Mondi, and Daniel Lindemann as its first public relations ambassadors.

Kim Gilseong, Mayor of Jung-gu, stated, "Kim Taeyeon is a unique singer who not only carries on the legacy of Korean traditional music but also communicates widely with the public. I believe she is the perfect person to convey the charm of Jung-gu, which boasts a 630-year history where tradition and modernity coexist."