Chonnam National University Appoints Miss Trot 2 Winner Yang Jieun as Honorary Ambassador

Yang Jieun, the winner of Miss Trot 2.

Chonnam National University announced on July 1 that it will hold an inaugural ceremony for the "Love Local Universities" (Jidaesa) campaign and an ambassador appointment ceremony on July 7, where Yang Jieun, the winner of Miss Trot 2, will be appointed as the university's first "Honorary Admissions Ambassador."

Yang is a graduate of Chonnam National University's Department of Korean Traditional Music (class of 2008), and is well-known as both a certified performer of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage pansori "Heungboga" and the winner of Miss Trot 2. Recently, she proved both her popularity and talent by ranking first in the female trot category for the first half of 2025, according to DC Trend. She has also earned the affectionate nickname "devoted daughter singer" for donating a kidney to her father, a story that has won the hearts of people nationwide.

On this day, Yang will give a special performance in support of the campaign's purpose as part of the appointment ceremony. The inaugural ceremony for the "Jidaesa" campaign will also be held, marking the official launch of the initiative. "Jidaesa" aims to bridge the educational gap between the Seoul metropolitan area and other regions and to restore the public value of local universities. It serves as a kick-off campaign for the Lee Jaemyung administration's pledge to "create 10 Seoul National Universities."

The campaign is also a relay initiative jointly hosted by the admissions directors' council of 10 national flagship universities across the country. It focuses on promoting the appeal of local universities and improving perceptions among prospective students and parents through online videos and participatory content on platforms such as YouTube and social media.

This campaign, which is starting with Chonnam National University at its center, has already inspired voluntary donations from local residents. Even before the official launch, more than 30 million won in sponsorship funds has been collected, demonstrating strong interest and support from the local community.

At the event, Chonnam National University will also appoint 131 "Alimi" student admissions ambassadors for the first time. These ambassadors will take the lead in spreading information about local university admissions through various activities, including visits to local high schools, the production of admissions content, and online communication.

President Lee Geunbae stated, "Local universities are a key driving force for the sustainable future of both the region and the nation," adding, "I hope this campaign, joined by Yang Jieun, our 480,000 alumni, and the local community, will serve as an opportunity to re-examine the value of local universities."