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Gwangju Design Biennale, Two Korean Wave Stars’ Dual System Is Drawing Attention
“For the 2013 Gwangju Design Biennale, Boa is singing the logo song and YouknowYoonho is appointed as the PR Ambassador.” The 2013 Gwangju Design Biennale (9.6~11.3), the largest domestic design festival that’s leading the Korean Wave (Hanryu) in design hosted by the Gwangju Biennale Foundation (president Yongwoo, Lee), is drawing attention as the two Korean Wave stars, Boa and YouknowYoonho, participate in the event as a form of ‘cultural donation.’
Boa signed an agreement with the Gwangju Biennale Foundation last March and started recording the logo song. The song, through the Gwangju Biennale website and SM Entertainment, is scheduled to release by the end of July.
In the midst of her hectic schedule traversing continents back and forth, Boa has been very enthusiastic and hands-on about the logo song; she’s written the lyrics herself and composed the tune.
The concept of the logo song, in accordance with the atmosphere of the Gwangju Design Biennale, is to enjoy in a relaxed, easy state. Boa’s crisp and clear voice is said to be well suited for the public friendly genre of design. “I’m very glad to participate in producing the logo song for Gwangju Design Biennale, an internationally renowned design festival,” said Boa and continued, “I sincerely hope the logo song is easily approachable to the general public and can offer a chance to promote the appeal of design.”
A well-known member of Tong Vfang Xien Qi (TVXQ), a popular K-pop group leading the Korean Wave, YouknowYoonho was appointed as the honorary PR ambassador on July 2.
Especially for this edition, keeping in mind that YouknowYoonho is from the city, a section titled ‘My Favorite Gwangju’ will be included in the special exhibition area. It will feature the singer’s favorite things and places in Gwangju reinterpreted as design products reflecting the younger generation’s taste; also on display will be products designed by YouknowYoonho.
In other words, YouknowYoonho’s participation in the actual exhibition will facilitate conveying the Biennale’s message that ‘anybody can be a designer’ and to bring down the so-called wall of ‘designers’ to communicate with the general public.
“I’m honored to be appointed as the PR ambassador of this event held in Gwangju, my hometown and a city of culture,” said YouknowYoonho. “It is even more meaningful as I show works with my hometown as a motif” he added.
Dr. Yongwoo Lee, president of the Gwangju Biennale Foundation said “the image of Gwangju Design Biennale at the forefront of the Korean Wave in design for the past ten years and the image of Boa and YouknowYoonho occupying the center stage in the popular culture Korean Wave are in accordance” and added “the two stars taking part in the Design Biennale as a form of cultural donation are definitely creating a synergy effect, which in turn brings the exhibition even closer to the viewing public.”
2013 Gwangju Design Biennale with ‘Anything, Something’ as its theme will be on view for 59 days (September 6~November 3) at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall and several other sites citywide.
For further Inquiries please contact:
Gwangju Biennale Foundation PR
Department 82-62-608-4224