'Koreans have strong pride in their country'
Niklas Klabunde / Courtesy of FMG
By Kim Jae-heun
Twenty-four-year-old German TV personality Niklas Klabunde came to Korea four years ago. He had studied East Asian studies in college and wanted to learn more about Korean culture while pursuing a career as a fashion model here. After appearing on the cable TV show “Non-Summit” as one of the 11 regular panel members as German representative since 2016, Klabunde became popular with audiences.
Now he has been appointed as an honorary ambassador of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, having run as a torchbearer last November in Busan. He used various channels including social media to promote the sporting event to his home country.
“There are so many things I want to introduce about Korean culture but if I have to choose one, I will chose Korean food such as samgyeopsal, naengmyeon and hanjeongsik,” Klabunde said. “Dongdaemun shopping center, which runs 24 hours a day, is definitely a place to visit and if you are young, nightlife in Hongdae or Garosugil in Sinsa are other good choices.”
However, the German TV personality says he was most impressed by Koreans’ pride in their country while he lived in Korea and how they promoted their culture.
“Koreans have strong pride in their country and they are grateful to people who find interest in the country and have a willingness to learn about the culture. Korea is a small country but its people are big-hearted,” Klabunde said.
Klabunde believes the Olympic Games will be a great opportunity to promote Korea abroad as the Olympics have a long history.
He grew up watching German biathlon star Laura Dahlmeier, who won the World Cup five times.
He picked former figure skater Kim Yuna as the most symbolic icon of Korean winter sports.
“Korea is a divided country and it is still at war. Many foreigners might think it’s dangerous to visit PyeongChang but I heard North Korea will also participate in the festival. The Olympics symbolize peace and there will be no threat like a war this time,” Klabunde said.