Celebrities Join ‘Smile Race’ to Promote Gyeongju Ahead of APEC 2025
Oct 02, 2025
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Popular stars such as musical actors Kim Joon-soo and Jin Tae-hwa, actors Lee Jang-woo and Kang Ye-won, Son Joon-ho and Kim So-hyun, broadcasters Tak Jae-hoon and Lee Sang-min, and comedians Kim Won-hyo, Kim Joon-ho and Park Na-rae helped. In addition, gold medalist Ki Bo-bae of archery, fashion designer Lee Sang-bong and robotics professor Dennis Hong joined the team to cheer for the success of `APEC 2025 Korea"
'Smile Race' is a private welcome campaign launched by Gyeongju Youth Enterprise with the aim of "Let's smile first to foreigners". Beyond simple events, it aims to promote the historical and cultural significance of Gyeongju and Korea's political (情) culture to the world.
Messages of support from participating stars are continuing on social media. Kim Joon-soo said "Let's cheer for APEC 2025 Korea together" and Son Joon-ho and Kim So-hyun greeted each other with marital chemistry. Tak Jae-hoon, Kim Joon-ho, and Lee Sang-min added laughter with pleasant words, and Park Na-rae said, `I hope Gyeongju's smile will light up the world.' Kang Ye-won said "It is meaningful to promote the welcoming culture of Korea" and Ki Bo-bae left a message with pride as a sportsman. Designer Lee Sang-bong emphasized that `Korean smiles are the best fashion,' while Professor Lee Jang-woo and Professor Dennis Hong also added the meaning of the campaign.
Buchang Confectionary, which leads the campaign, is a company that started in Gyeongju and has grown into Korea's leading walnut confectionery brand. Cumulative sales have reached 100 million units and will be selected as an official dessert sponsor of 'APEC 2025 Korea' and will introduce K-food to more than 30,000 leaders and global leaders from 21 countries. With this opportunity, Buchang Confectionary will also enter overseas markets.
"The participation of stars and people from all walks of life will serve as an opportunity to promote Korea's smile and welcoming culture to the world," FG President Lee Kyung-won said. "I hope Gyeongju will be highlighted as a world-class cultural city by successfully hosting APEC." "As Buchang Confectionary has been selected as the official APEC dessert, we will promote walnut cookies and miso culture to the world and speed up overseas expansion next year."
mj.cho@sportschosun.com
