Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin (right) and Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto (left) on April 10 pose for a photo with Choi Siwon, a member of the K-pop boy band Super Junior who was appointed promotional ambassador to mark the 50th anniversary of Korea's relations with Indonesia. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) 

By Margareth Theresia

Choi Siwon, a member of the K-pop boy band Super Junior, has been appointed promotional ambassador to mark the 50th anniversary of Korea's relations with Indonesia this year.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin on April 10 officially announced the appointment, his ministry said. 

In his welcoming speech, he said, "Using the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties as an opportunity, we will strengthen cooperation with Indonesia, our lone 'special strategic partner' in Southeast Asia," adding, "We have high expectations for Mr. Choi Siwon, who has led the Hallyu (Korean Wave) boom in Indonesia from the early stage, as PR ambassador."  

Indonesian Ambassador to Korea Gandi Sulistiyanto presented Choi with a shirt made of batik fabric so that he can play a bridging role connecting both cultures. Batik is Indonesia's traditional wax-resistant method of dyeing textiles and listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Choi said, "Since I've built a precious relationship with Indonesia, being named promotional ambassador for the 50th anniversary of Korea-Indonesia ties is extra meaningful," adding, "I'll do my best to strengthen bilateral relations." 

The ministry will also produce a promotional video for the anniversary featuring Choi for release on social media. Both countries will host commemorative events this year to promote mutual interest and understanding between their people. 

margareth@korea.kr