NewJeans has made history by receiving the highest remuneration ever as honorary ambassadors of Seoul, surpassing previous payments and sparking controversy due to the amount involved.
According to documents obtained by the Seoul Provincial Assembly’s Committee on Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the K-pop group NewJeans received 240 million KRW (approximately $172,000 USD) for their role as honorary ambassadors of the city. This figure is the highest ever granted to any honorary ambassador in the city’s history and accounts for more than half of the 450 million KRW (about $322,000 USD) distributed to 55 ambassadors over the past five years.
Traditionally, honorary ambassadors for local provinces do not receive any payment for their activities, with Seoul being the sole exception. The city classifies its honorary ambassadors as non-government workers and offers them remuneration.
However, Article No. 6 of the Ordinance on the Operation of Seoul Honorary Ambassadors stipulates that this role is a voluntary and unpaid appointment. While it allows for “necessary expenses” to be covered, the sum awarded to NewJeans has drawn criticism for far exceeding what could be considered “necessary costs.” Currently, 34 individuals from various professional fields serve as honorary ambassadors of Seoul, with 29 of them performing their duties voluntarily and without payment.
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