Haha & Byul, Kim Sung-hwan, Yoon Taek, Lee Sung-woo and Proudmon — five acts with ties to Mapo appointed as ambassadors
Ambassadors to promote Mapo's key policies and cultural and tourism assets across broadcasting, music, performance and dance
Mapo-gu has assembled its first honorary ambassador corps of the ninth elected term, enlisting figures from broadcasting, music, performance and dance to promote the district's policies and enhance its brand.
The five acts — 18 people in total — are broadcaster Haha and singer Byul, actor and singer Kim Sung-hwan, comedian Yoon Taek, No Brain vocalist Lee Sung-woo, and dance crew Proudmon.
The first to be appointed were the married couple Haha and Byul, in a ceremony held Wednesday at the Mapo-gu Office policy conference room.
Haha had previously served as a Mapo honorary ambassador from 2018 to 2025, and his reappointment this year — this time alongside his wife Byul — gave the occasion added significance.
Haha became closely associated with Mapo through the MBC variety program "Infinite Challenge," where he was nicknamed the "Mapo-gu Sheriff," cementing a warm public image tied to the district. He has since remained a familiar face through shows including "Running Man" and "Hang Out with Yoo." In June 2025, he released an EP titled "Mapo-gu Sheriff," which included a track of the same name.
Byul, who has built her own following through music and broadcasting, is expected to join Haha in promoting Mapo's cultural identity.
At the ceremony, Haha said, "As everyone knows, Mapo is a truly wonderful place, and I hope as many people as possible get to enjoy everything it has to offer. I want to spread the word about Mapo's charms, and since I'm also in the restaurant business, I'll make a special effort to help revitalize the local alley commerce scene."
Byul said, "I came to Mapo when I got married, and after actually living here I love it so much I never want to leave. I hope to show people what a happy family looks like while raising our children in Mapo, and to serve as a positive example in an era of low birth rates."
Kim Sung-hwan is set to be appointed as an honorary ambassador on Thursday. Having worked across broadcasting and performance for many years, Kim plans to draw on his experience communicating with audiences of all generations to share Mapo's stories.
On Friday, Yoon Taek, Lee Sung-woo and Proudmon will round out the ambassador lineup.
Yoon Taek is expected to leverage the approachable image he has built through television, Lee Sung-woo of No Brain through music and live performance, and Proudmon through its street-dance-based activities, each helping to showcase the many sides of Mapo.
Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said at Wednesday's ceremony, "You have shown a special affection for this community as Mapo residents, and I hope you will continue to be a great force in promoting the district. It is truly meaningful to have Haha and Byul with us, and I hope the precious bond you share with Mapo will last for a long time to come."
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