Korean stars pledge to help world’s kids

Two of Korea’s best loved stars have been appointed by United Nations Children’s Fund to help support needy children around the world.

Han Ga-in and Kim Beom have become UNICEF Ambassadors to do publicity work in Korea to help the organization’s Inspired Gifts program.

The initiative gives nutritious food and measles vaccines to children living in poverty around the world.

Han, who is currently drawing crowds at the box office with her leading role in the movie “Architecture 101” was joined by Kim, a lead actor in the drama “Padam Padam” to officially take up their roles as special envoys at UNICEF headquarters in Seoul on Monday. 

“As a special envoy, I will work hard to make those children happy,” Han said. “I have been thinking about helping children since long ago, but did not have a chance to actually do that. But as I get older I can look around and want to take care of some people in need. I hope that I can be some help for the children.”

The Korean stars will participate in making campaign videos and promotion pictures to highlight the charity’s campaigns.

“It is an honor to be named as a special envoy and I will try my best in helping children,” said Kim, who was also featured in a UNICEF promotional film last year.

UNICEF president Song Sang-hyun thanked the pair for their commitment at an appointment ceremony, and UNICEF secretary-general Park Dong-eun said: “It is a great honor to name two Korean stars as special envoys for UNICEF.”

Other Korean stars to help UNICEF programs include actress Ko So-young and Super Junior’s Choi Si-won, in 2009 and 2010.

By Kirsty Taylor (kirstyt@heraldcorp.com)