South Korea picks sports stars as G20 envoys

South Korea Wednesday designated world figure skating champion Kim Yu-Na and English Premier League midfielder Park Ji-Sung as ambassadors for the G20 summit to be held in November.

The two will actively promote South Korea to an international audience, said a presidential committee leading preparations for the event.

South Korea, the first emerging market country to host the G20 summit, expects around 7,000 delegates, journalists and lobbyists to attend.

The meeting will play a pivotal role in elevating the country’s international status, committee chief SaKong Il said in a statement.

“Through adversity and hard work, these two athletes have risen to the top of their respective sports and we’re proud to have them as ambassadors of our event,” he said.

Olympic gold medallist Kim, 19, has also won seven Grand Prix titles, three Grand Prix Final trophies and one world championship title since her senior international debut in 2006.

Park, of Manchester United, led South Korea to the final 16 in the World Cup in South Africa.