"I Never Planned to Win from the Start"... Who Won the Surprise Popularity Contest Between Chungju and Jinju Mascots?

Hamoh Wins the Contest
Chungju씨 Says, "I Never Planned to Win"

The mascots of Chungju City in North Chungcheong Province, Chungju씨, and Jinju City in South Gyeongsang Province, Hamoh, recently faced off in a surprise popularity contest online.

Mascot of Chungju City, Chungju씨 (left), and mascot of Jinju City, Hamoh. Instagram accounts of each local government

According to the official Instagram account of Chungju씨 on July 3, the popularity vote between the two characters, held from June 24 to June 29, ended with Hamoh of Jinju ultimately declared the winner.

Chungju씨, acknowledging the defeat, expressed disappointment in its signature cheerful tone. Through Instagram, Chungju씨 said, "I never planned to win from the start," adding, "I just recalled each and every one of you who didn't vote for me."

This contest also attracted attention on online communities. Netizens responded with comments such as "Hamoh is a little cuter," and "Chungju씨 needs to beat Chungjumann first." Chungjumann refers to Kim Seontae, head of the New Media Team in the Public Relations Office of Chungju City, who runs the city's YouTube channel.

Chungjoo's Instagram Announcing the Defeat News

Both mascots are inspired by the otter, a natural monument, but their appearances are distinctly different. Chungju씨, created in July 2019, features brown fur and large round eyes, embodying the image of Chungju’s clean agricultural products.

Hamoh has sky-blue fur and small eyes, with a shell placed on its head and a pearl necklace around its neck. The name "Hamoh" comes from a Jinju dialect word meaning agreement or affirmation, and the character was created through a national contest in 2021. Hamoh is intended to convey hope and courage.

Both mascots are actively promoted through their respective local governments’ official channels and have gained nationwide popularity thanks to their cute appearances.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.