Girls’ Generation named Gangnam envoys

Members of Girls’ Generation will be appointed honorary publicity ambassadors for the southeastern Seoul district of Gangnam, district officials said Monday.

The girl group will help promote the affluent district as a tourist attraction and hot bed of hallyu talent, they said.

“We expect people around the world to recognize Gangnam as an attractive and charming place through Girls’ Generation’s image,” said Jang Won-seok, Gangnam public relations director.

The district plans to hold the second hallyu festival this year, and hopes the girl group can boost the reputation of Gangnam as a “mecca for hallyu.”

Gangnam appointed actress Jang Nara and singer Rain, who’s serving military duty, as publicity ambassadors last year.

Rain held a free concert during the first hallyu festival organized by the district office before joining the army last October.

Gangnam will continue to use its celebrity strategy for promotion. Officials said that they are considering asking boy band Super Junior to be goodwill ambassadors as well.

Promotion posters featuring photos of Girls’ Generation will be installed at Incheon International Airport and subway stations since both are frequented by many tourists.

The appointment ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the district office.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)