Stray Kids on June 18 were appointed promotional ambassadors for the government-run Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS). The K-pop group will participate in KOCIS-sponsored events to spread Hallyu throughout the world. (KOCIS)

By Kim Hyelin and Lee Jihae

The Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), an affiliate of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on June 18 announced the appointment of Stray Kids, a nine-member K-pop boy group, as the service's first promotional ambassadors.

For three years, KOCIS has hosted the international content contest "Talk Talk Korea," an event that K-pop groups such as BTS, Exo and Winner have helped promote. Because of the positive public response to the contest generated by these acts, KOCIS from this year decided to appoint promotional ambassadors for the organization rather than for individual events.

KOCIS Director Kim Tae-hoon said, "I hope Stray Kids will get people more interested in and familiar with Korea through the group's activities."

The group will attend KOCIS-sponsored international contests and other cultural events to spread Hallyu throughout the world.

Debuting last year and winning a host of new artist awards, Stray Kids have seen global success, with their latest song "Miroh" topping the iTunes Album chart in 15 countries including the U.S. Their new album "Yellow Wood" is slated for release on June 19.