[Yonhap news photo]
SEOUL -- Former Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna will take on a new job to promote the beauty of Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, in a state project led by the Korea Craft & Design Foundation, a public organization that promotes Korea's craft and design culture.
The 31-year-old will plans hanbok products and engage in promotion and marketing with 10 hanbok companies to be selected through an open bid, according to the Korean Ministry of Sports, Culture and Tourism.
The project is aimed at promoting the charm of Hanbok to the international community and pioneering overseas markets through collaboration between hanbok designers and Hallyu (Korean cultural wave) artists.
Kim, who serves as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was picked for her elegant beauty that will highlight the charm of hanbok, the ministry said. "I am happy to have the opportunity to plan and develop new products that express the beauty of Hanbok and actively promote the values and advantages of our clothes Hanbok," Kim said in a statement on June 10.
At least six hanbok designs will be developed to suit Kim's characteristics, the ministry said, adding that opportunities would be given for sales in domestic and foreign markets through an online platform. "We hope that Kim Yu-na and hanbok companies will develop various hanbok content together and expand it around the world," an unnamed ministry official was quoted as saying.
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