Descendant of Independence Activist Jerome Kim, Director General of International Vaccine Institute, Takes Initiative to Promote Korean MICE Tourism

Jerome Kim, Director General of the International Vaccine Institute, and Ahn Young-bae, President of the Korea Tourism Organization (left).

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The Korea Tourism Organization announced on the 25th that it has appointed Jerome Kim, Secretary-General of the International Vaccine Institute, as an Honorary Ambassador for Korean Tourism.

Secretary-General Kim is a highly respected figure in the field of international vaccines and infectious diseases, serving as the Secretary-General of the International Vaccine Institute since 2015. Headquartered in Seoul, the International Vaccine Institute is a non-profit international organization established under the leadership of the UN Development Programme and was the first international organization hosted by Korea in 1994. It plays a key role in the development and distribution of vaccines for underdeveloped and developing countries.

Kim, a U.S. citizen, is the grandson of Kim Hyun-gu, a patriot who participated in the independence movement in the United States during the Japanese colonial period. Known for his deep affection for Korea, the country of his grandfather, he gladly accepted the appointment as Honorary Ambassador. As an Honorary Ambassador, Kim plans to promote Korea's tourism appeal and safety through interviews with global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) specialized media, based on his actual experience living in Korea.

At the appointment ceremony held at the International Vaccine Institute in Seoul, attended by Korea Tourism Organization President Ahn Young-bae and others, Secretary-General Kim said, "Korea has excellent conditions to become a global powerhouse in tourism and MICE. When the pandemic ends through vaccines and various measures, Korea's tourism and MICE industries will make great strides, supported by Korean culture and creativity, such as the globally rising K-pop and films."

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