HWASEONG — The city of Hwaseong appointed three new goodwill ambassadors on the 23rd at the central conference room on the second floor of city hall: Jang Min-woo, head of the western Canada chapter of the Korea Veterans Association, singer Lee Pyung-chan and traditional Korean music performer Na Kyung-hwa.
The appointments are aimed at raising the profile of Hwaseong's city brand at home and abroad. The city said it plans to convey Hwaseong's value and appeal through private-sector diplomatic figures with international exchange experience and local artists.
Jang serves as head of the Korea Veterans Association's western Canada chapter. Jang has supported exchange and cooperation with Burnaby, Canada, a sister city of Hwaseong, since 2014.
Last year, Jang helped bring about a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the sister-city agreement and a joint performance by the Dongtan Silver Choir and a Vancouver choir. A joint performance at a choral festival set for November is also in preparation.
Lee and Na perform as a mixed duet and have maintained steady contact with residents. The two have contributed to the development of local culture and the arts through gospel ministry and various stage performances.
Lee, a native of Wonri in Hwaseong's Maesong-myeon, made his debut in 1979 after winning the grand prize at the TBC Beach Song Festival. He went on to perform as a singer for more than 40 years, and in 2023 he wrote a song for his hometown, "I Love Hwaseong So Much."
Na entered the music industry after winning the grand prize at the KBS Mokpo Song Festival in 1991. Na has since broadened her range of work, presenting traditional Korean music songs that combine gayageum performance with the genre.
The three will serve as goodwill ambassadors for Hwaseong Special City for two years beginning in October 2026. They will take part in major events and city promotional activities to help raise Hwaseong's standing.
"It is meaningful to welcome as goodwill ambassadors three people who have maintained ties with Hwaseong," Hwaseong Mayor Jung Myung-keun said. "I hope they will widely promote Hwaseong's appeal in the fields of international exchange and the culture and arts."