Choi Tae-sung and Sandara Park appointed as ambassadors for Overseas Koreans Foundation

The Overseas Koreans Foundation (OKF) announced on the 4th that historian Choi Tae-sung, known as 'Big Star Teacher,' and singer Sandara Park, a member of 2NE1, will serve as the foundation's ambassadors for 2026.

The foundation held an appointment ceremony at its headquarters in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, and presented the appointment letters.

Choi Tae-sung was reappointed as ambassador, considering his significant contributions to improving the perception of overseas Koreans. He served as the first ambassador for the OKF last year, conducting 40 sessions of educational programs on understanding overseas Koreans. He effectively conveyed the history of Korean diaspora and their contributions to their motherland to the domestic public in an easily understandable manner.

The OKF explained that singer Sandara Park is a suitable candidate for fostering empathy and connection with overseas Koreans, based on her experience of living in the Philippines for about 11 years and growing into an artist beloved by the public there.

At the appointment ceremony, Choi Tae-sung stated, "Many citizens have expressed their gratitude for the contributions of overseas Koreans, but it is regrettable that negative perceptions of overseas Koreans still seem to remain in some parts of society. I will work hard until the day when all citizens correctly understand overseas Koreans."

Sandara Park recalled her life as an overseas Korean, saying, "When I went to the Philippines at the age of 10, it was very difficult and scary at first to have to live in a foreign country where I couldn't even communicate well. However, I was able to achieve my dreams in the Philippines and feel pride when I saw fans who became interested in Korea through me."

She added, "Based on my experience, I will strive to approach overseas Koreans with my heart."

These two ambassadors are expected to engage in various activities for one year to improve the perception of overseas Koreans and raise the profile of the OKF.

As their first activity after receiving their appointment letters, the two ambassadors appeared live on the OKF's YouTube channel, 'DongpoON.'

Choi Tae-sung's live session was held on the 3rd, and Sandara Park's video will be broadcast on the 10th at 3 PM. It will be available for viewing on the OKF's YouTube channel even after the live broadcast ends.