Gong Yoo named UNICEF special representative

Actor Gong Yoo will be named a special representative for the United Nations Children’s Fund in Korea.

The star will officially be given the title in a ceremony Wednesday morning. It will also commemorate the 24-year anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Gong became interested in the rights of children after he starred in the movie, “Silenced,” which shocked the nation with its raw portrayal of the abuse of disabled children in Korea.

He began to actively participate in various campaigns to help promote children’s rights, appearing in a UNICEF commercial, shooting a video message for a UNICEF seminar, and participating in a campaign for children’s rights.

“I was outraged at how handicapped children were being treated after filming ‘silenced’ and realized the importance of protecting their rights. I have since been interested in joining UNICEF to fight for their rights, and I am honored and glad to be appointed to this position,” the actor said in a statement.

After his appointment, the actor will visit countries around the world to raise awareness of underprivileged children in developing countries.

By Cha Yo-rim (yorimcha@heraldcorp.com)