Figure skating queen Kim Yuna to promote Hanbok abroad

Figure skating queen Kim Yuna is taking the lead in promoting Hanbok abroad.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on June 13 said Kim will take part in a collaborative project that connects Hanbok and Hallyu through planning and developing of such content. She will help develop, promote and market Hanbok products through 10 related businesses selected through a competition.

Jointly run by the ministry and Korea Craft and Design Foundation, the project seeks to globally promote Hanbok's charms and tap foreign markets for the attire through cooperation between creative Hanbok designers and Hallyu culture and arts figures. 

The ministry and KCDF through July 1 will receive applications from Hanbok businesses to enter the contest. Small and mid-sized companies that design and produce Hallyu-related products are eligible to apply. The winners must retain the attire's composition and elements but develop at least six designs catering to Kim's unique characteristics and plans.

The 10 businesses will receive financial aid for Hanbok production and the opportunity to sell their products on the online platform http://hanbokwave.com.

Kim in 2010 won the gold medal in the ladies' singles competition at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Since her retirement, she has engaged in activities that contribute to society such as serving as UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

"I'm glad to receive the opportunity to plan and develop new products to convey the beauty of Hanbok and actively promote the value and strengths of our clothing Hanbok," she said.

The K-pop groups Brave Girls and DKB participated in last year's Hanbok project. They helped promote the clothing to the world by appearing in a digital fashion commercial promoting Hanbok shown on the electronic display at Times Square in New York.