Mister World Korea 2009

By Shim Kyu-gong

On Nov. 8, 2009, the Mr. World Korea competition was held at the Songdo Convention Center in the city of Incheon. Most people had never even heard of this event, and those familiar with the challenges we faced in pulling this event off thought it would be impossible. But we showed the world otherwise!

Frankly, it all started from scratch. I don't have idea to put this unforgettable week we'd been through together. I'd also like to thank everyone involved with this once in a lifetime event.

When it started, the Mr. World Korea contest was scheduled to happen in the middle of September, but due to the panic and concern caused by this new pandemic swine flu virus, the event was postponed.

From all reports, because the H1N1 virus was a real concern to the organizers of the Mr. World Korea competition and the limited time available to reschedule, outright cancellation of the event was a real possibility. As it were, the event was squeezed in for Nov. 8 at the Songdo Convention Center. With only four days to prepare, bringing together an event of this magnitude together was a tremendous challenge, but as I mentioned, we made it.

In the press, it was reported that there were five nominees for the title of Mr. World Korea, but in actuality, there were more like 20, all making it to the finals. The 20 entries represented all the qualities that the judges were looking for in crowning the new Mr. World Korea. This quality included good health, intelligence, and of course, looks.

The contestants chosen are ambitious people, and not just random people picked off the street. Personally, I'm a professional fashion model, but I'm also currently working with giftskorea.com, which is an ecommerce business which specializes in the sale of gifts and flowers to customers in Korea. Any suspicious people can check it out.

With a few weeks already passed since the Mr. World Korea competition, I've found that one of the great benefits of being one of the winners has been having a chance to help those that I never thought I could help before. Many look to me as their hero and one to save their world.

I hope that Mr. World Korea should give opportunities to help who fight for their rights and giving them a chance to live.

Each day, one in six people die due to starvation.

I dare say that anyone who lives and breathes in this world should be allowed basic human rights.

While all 20 contestants have their own jobs and are busy preparing for their own future, I can strongly say that we are like gems in the rough, unfinished products yet to shine across this world

Recognized by only a few, and still ignored by so many, I and my colleagues, as Mr. World Korea, will work to gain the respect of people around the world. I believe as Mr. World Korea, we will be able to give back to the world community that needs our warm hands

In conclusion, thank you all those who made it possible. I'd especially like to thank the Hankook Il-Bo Media Group and the organizers of Mr. World.

And for all, thank God.

The writer, one of the successful contestants in the Mr. World Korea event, can be reached at https://koreanfood.about.com.