Korean super hero character Robot Taekwon V has become the nation's goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
The 32-year-old cartoon hero is the first character to become the ambassador of an international organization.
Janice Lyn Marshall, the representative of the Seoul bureau of the UNHCR, and Shin Chul, the president of the Taekwon V Co. Ltd., signed the agreement for the ambassadorship at the "Taekwon V Celebration 2008" held at Puchon (Bucheon) July 24. Puchon is the venue of the Puchon International Film Festival (PIFAN), which ended July 25.
"Taekwon V is a character that protects the weak and gives hope and courage to people. He is more than perfect to be the goodwill ambassador of UNHCR", said Marshall at the ceremony.
"Taekwon V is also a character that has been adored by Koreans through many generations, so we hope this will be a chance to remind them of refugee problems in Korean society", she added.
Robot Taekwon V first appeared in 1976 as an animation movie and became one of Korea's favorite local cartoon characters, being made into toys, action figures and comic books.
"The movie is about a young boy who learns the taekwondo spirit. I was surprised when I received the request for Taekwon V becoming the ambassador, but I think it's time for (him) to work for children around the world", said Shin.
Images from the new full-length animation movie of Taekwon V were also screened at the ceremony. The movie will be in theaters next year.
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