With the New Year just around the corner, Koreans are holding parties to bid farewell to 2007.

And on Dec. 10, a special year-end party was held where participants celebrated the achievements and successes of those who -- by shining brightly in various walks of life -- have contributed to promoting Korea and the country's nation brand "Dynamic Korea."

Around 150 dignitaries, sports stars and government officials attended "Dynamic Korea Night 2007" at a central Seoul hotel. The Korean Overseas Information Service (KOIS), a part of the Government Information Agency (GIA), hosted the event.

The attendees included GIA Minister Kim Chang-ho, President of the Korea Tourism Organization Oh Ji-chul, Korean swimming sensation Park Tae-hwan, baseball star Park Chan-ho of the L.A. Dodgers, and world-renowned fashion designer Andre Kim.

The event kicked off with the showing of a “Dynamic Korea” commercial shot in June which features star figure skater Kim Yu-na, 17, and swimmer Park Tae-hwan, 18, two of Korea's most promising young athletes who currently serve as official Dynamic Korea goodwill ambassadors.

In a welcoming speech followed by a wonderful performance by Tao, a traditional percussion group, Government Information Agency Minister Kim Chang-ho said, "We have made efforts to improve the nation's image through a variety of promotional activities. This year in particular, we chose Asia as our strategic target region because this year marked the 15th anniversary of bilateral ties with Vietnam and China. I believe it has been successful, and I especially send my gratitude to the two young Korean athletes who have contributed to promoting Korea as goodwill ambassadors.”

After the speech, swimmer Park Tae-hwan discussed his experiences as a goodwill ambassador representing Korea. Known fondly as "marine boy" at home, Park took gold medals in the men's 200-meter and 1,500-meter freestyle events at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Series in Berlin last month,

“I felt that I had to do my best at every turn in order instill the good image of Korea abroad. I will try my best, so that I can gain good results during the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics,” said Park. 

Kim Yu-na, who was unable to attend due to training and competition abroad, sent a voice message, in which said, “I think I did well this year thanks to support and encouragement from home. Thank you for that and I will do my best not to let you down.”

The Monday-night gathering concluded with a dinner and performances by
Jang Sa-ik, one of the most outstanding traditional Korean vocalists, and B-boy dance group “Gambler Crew,” which won the top prize in at an annual international B-Boy tournament last year in Houston, Texas. Musical star Lee Tae-won also performed.

The Korean government chose "Dynamic Korea" as the nation brand in conjunction with co-hosting the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. The slogan conveys the country's power, forward-looking attitude and endless potential.

By Han Aran
Korea.net Staff Writer