By J.R. Breen
Contributing Writer
Yoo Ji-kwang is a talented singer and a strong Protestant, two reasons he believes made him Mr World Korea ― but will his attributes impress on a global scale?
The 24-year-old is competing among 74 contestants in the ongoing Mr World 2010 contest in Korea. The event began last Friday and culminates in a televised finale on Saturday.
It was the humanitarian aspect of Mr World that appealed to Yoo. The competition will be hosting a charity fashion show Tuesday in Incheon, featuring designs by the famous Korean designer Andre Kim. It will raise money for the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), a United Nations research center based in Seoul that helps cure diseases, particularly for children.
``It got me thinking that this competition is not just a `beauty’ contest; it can help children in need, who are poor ― this impressed me,’’ he said.
Yoo stumbled upon the Mr World Korea competition by accident, while searching for a new agency to represent him for his acting and singing career. ``I have been a singer and actor for 10 years, and I was a model before that,’’ he said. ``I discovered this competition when I was searching for a new agency.’’
When asked why he was chosen as a representative for Korea, Yoo pointed to his appearance and talent. ``I am Asian but most Korean people think that I have Western features, which I think they (the judges) liked. Also, I am good at singing. I think Koreans appreciate music and good singers,’’ he said.
``I also have faith, and that is important in Korea. It appeals to Koreans that I have strong faith,'' he said. Yoo grew up in Seoul with his parents and older brother, and is currently working toward a theology degree at Hansei University.
When asked how he thinks he will do in Mr World, he said that although he would like to win, the relationships he has formed here mean more.
``Everyone wants to come first, but when I arrived (at the Mr World contest) I thought that was no longer important. I have made new friends and I am having a good time,’’ he said.
The quality that Yoo thinks makes him a good candidate is his ``humanity.’’
``I am a people person. I am good with people and I am not afraid to meet new people ― I think my humanity will appeal to the judges,’’ he said.
Yoo regularly sings at a local church, and he said that in the future he hopes to use his voice to spread the Christian faith.