Korean pop idol takes stage for Songkran
Kim
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South Korean pop star Kim Jeong-hoon, accompanied by 10 media representatives, will join this year's Songkran festival at the invitation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
"Kim's appearance here is expected to attract Thai fans. Meanwhile, the press will publish and shoot his activities, thus persuading more Korean tourists to Thailand later," Wansadet Thavornsuk, advertising and public-relations director for the TAT, said yesterday.The group arrives in Bangkok today and leaves for home on Saturday after taking to the stage in Bangkok's Sanam Luang on Friday. Kim is one of the more popular South Korean actors and singers who are well known among youngsters here and throughout the region. His television series, "Princess Hours", was recently broadcast here. "Kim will also visit many places to make feature stories," Wansadet said. The TAT wants to target the South Korean market this month since it is the low season. A Korean pop star was chosen this year because South Korean films and television series are popular. Bringing the Korean star here is part of the TAT's strategy of promoting Songkran as a "world event" that transcends borders and brings joy to people worldwide. "In order for the festival to reach a wide audience abroad, the TAT has invited Kim, who has a huge fan base in Asia, to participate in Songkran festivities and generate positive exposure for the festival and for Thailand internationally," Wansadet said. Open World, the event organiser, extended the invitation to Kim, but the TAT is providing Bt2 million in support. Thailand tends to attract honeymoon couples and golfers from South Korea. Last year, more than 1 million South Koreans visited the Land of Smiles, up 37 per cent from 2005. So far this year, 106,842 South Koreans have arrived, up 0.16 per cent year on year.
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