Staff Reporter
Hallyu star Lee Jung-hyun has been named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and will promote peace for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.The 23-year-old received her new title at the opening ceremony of the 8th ``Ode to Peace" International Youth Culture and Arts Gala in Shandong, China, according to her agency Yedang Entertainment. Many top Chinese celebrities participated in the event, in front of an audience comprising over 10 thousand boys and girls from some 20 countries.
Lee made a surprising debut at the age of 16 as the lead actress of the critically acclaimed film ``Petal'' (1996). She then went on to become the K-pop queen of trance, and her title song ``Wa'' from her first album (``Let's Go to My Star,'' 1999) topped the Korean music charts for three weeks, while her third album ``Passion'' (2004) won awards for Best Song and Most Broadcast Song.
The pop star has since gained popularity in Japan and Sinophone regions, where she released albums in Japanese and Mandarin, respectively.
hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr
