Model-actor Kwon Sang-woo joined the South Korean delegation in Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the country's diplomatic relations with Japan. With a huge following of Japanese fans, the 38-year-old celebrity is an ideal representative of South Korea's intention to strengthen its cultural ties.

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High-ranking officials of South Korea and Japan attended the two-day event at Odaiba Pacific Hotel. Among the distinguished delegates of Japan were Fumio Kishida, Japan's minister of foreign affairs, and Akie Abe, wife of Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and a reportedly known supporter of the Hallyu Wave. Kwon also shared the stage with Korean ambassador Yoo Heung-soo.

In June and July, Kwon toured key cities in Japan to meet with his fans. An estimated total of 8,000 followers from Kobe, Nagoya, and Tokyo took part in the activities that allowed a lucky few to interact with the Korean celebrity. Aside from playing games with his supporters, Kwon performed four songs (two of which in Japanese) and took photos of the crowd.

"It is a great pleasure to be back in Japan, and I would like to express sincere thanks for the unchanging support that you have shown me during the last 10 years. I will do my best to come back as soon as possible," Kwon addressed his fans.

It was just a matter of two weeks when Kwon returned to Japan. This time, his role is to help Korea foster a better relationship with its neighboring country. The actor-delegate joined the government officials in a talk show hosted by Fuji TV and graced an interview.

"I hope that through many exchanges, the two countries will learn opportunities to mature and develop further," Kwon stated.

Being part of the delegation was not Kwon's first stint at foreign diplomacy. In 2008, his contribution was recognized and he was awarded a Non-Government Diplomacy Award by the Korea-Japan Culture Awards.

Aside from Kwon, six-member boy band Supernova joined the South Korean representatives and performed their hits at the anniversary event. The group made its Japan debut in 2009 and gained 16,000 fans following their Supernova Live Tour - Girl Friends in Tokyo.

TagsKwon Sang-woo, Korea-Japan Diplomatic Relations, 50th Anniversary South Korea-Japan Relations, Ambassador Yoo Heung-soo, Fumio Kishida, Akie ABe, Supernova, Supernova Live Tour