G-Dragon Appointed as First National Ambassador for UNESCO World Heritage Committee in South Korea

Singer G-Dragon has been appointed as the ambassador for the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is being held in South Korea for the first time. The National Heritage Administration officially announced on August 9 that it had named G-Dragon to this role.

G-Dragon currently serves as honorary chairman of the Justice Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2024 through his copyright donations. The Justice Foundation functions as a public welfare platform that seeks to address social issues through art and creativity. The National Heritage Administration explained that the values of “justice” and “peace” pursued by G-Dragon and the Justice Foundation align with UNESCO’s spirit of international cooperation. The goal is to widely promote the significance of hosting the World Heritage Committee for the first time in South Korea by leveraging an artist whose influence extends beyond K-POP to all fields of culture and art.

The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will take place from August 19 to 29 over a period of 12 days at Busan Expo Center. Approximately 3,000 participants are expected, including representatives from countries that are parties to the convention, committee members, and officials from advisory organizations. This conference serves as the highest decision-making body in the field of world heritage, responsible for deciding whether new sites should be inscribed and assessing the conservation status of already listed world heritage sites.

At the opening ceremony, G-Dragon will introduce the citizen participation campaign for world heritage protection titled “HERITAGE IN PEACE.” He will also participate in the campaign’s promotional videos and related events. The funds raised through this campaign are planned to be used for protecting world heritage sites threatened by wars, climate crises, natural disasters, and other factors. This campaign will run for about one year, starting with the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, with plans to expand its participation at next year’s 49th session.

South Korea has been an active member of UNESCO since joining in 1988, but this is the first time it is hosting the World Heritage Committee. Decisions regarding the second-phase expansion of South Korea’s tidal flats for world heritage listing are expected to be made at this conference. In addition to the Seocheon, Gochang, Sinan, Boseong, and Suncheon tidal flats, which were listed as world heritage in 2021, the proposal to add the Yeosu, Goheung, Muan, and Seosan tidal flats will be discussed. If approved, the scope of South Korea’s world heritage tidal flats will expand significantly.

During the conference, exhibitions and performances designed for public participation will also be held. Starting from August 20, a South Korea Pavilion will operate free of charge in Hall 1 of Busan Expo Center. This pavilion will showcase South Korea’s world heritage sites, intangible cultural heritage, and World Records of Humanity in one place, including a special exhibition on World Records of Humanity, a promotion area for UNESCO’s Yeongsanjae rice cake, and a booth representing the host city of Busan. A 9-meter large-scale media art installation will also be displayed.

On August 26, a special performance will take place at the Busan Expo Center auditorium. Diverse performances such as Jongmyo Jeryeak, pansori, tightrope walking, and nongak—all recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—along with the local dance Dongnae Hakchum from Busan, will be presented. This event is significant because it moves beyond an international conference focused primarily on experts and officials to provide citizens with a direct experience of the value and importance of world heritage. Official participation guidelines and detailed programs can be found on the official website of the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.