ICHEON — The city of Icheon has appointed Wally, a miniature horse, as its publicity ambassador in an effort to engage more directly with residents.
Icheon said on the 14th that it named Wally as its new publicity ambassador and will push ahead with resident-participation campaigns to promote city policies.
Wally is a Falabella, a miniature horse breed regarded as the smallest in the world. Wally is also known as the first horse in South Korea to be certified as a therapy animal. Wally has visited children's hospitals and kindergartens for animal-assisted therapy sessions, known as horse therapy.
The city plans to draw on Wally's experience interacting with people to introduce key policies, including those on the horse industry, in a more approachable way. Officials gave Wally the nickname "communication horse," reflecting the role of an ambassador who meets residents in person.
The appointment ceremony was held on the 10th in the plaza in front of city hall, attended by Icheon Mayor Sung Soo-seok and Lee Ji-young, head of Wally Therapy, among others. The event included a halter handover with a child participant, Moon Ga-yoon, the presentation of the letter of appointment and a commemorative photo session.
A booth for a "resident healing program with publicity ambassador Wally," held ahead of the ceremony, also drew interest. The site featured a guestbook decorating activity and a photo zone, giving residents time to interact with Wally.
"I hope that meeting Wally, our communication horse, leads to greater interest and participation in city affairs," Sung said. "We will carry out ambassador activities close to residents' daily lives, at schools and local events."
Wally will take part in promoting Icheon's key policies as well as various events and campaigns. Wally will also meet residents through interaction programs for institutions in the city.
Updates on Wally's daily life and activities are available on the YouTube and Instagram channels "Wallyflop" and on Icheon's official social media accounts.