'Son of Gumi' Lee Sun-min tapped as hometown ambassador; appointment ceremony set for 9th

Comedian Lee Sun-min is taking on a new role as an official ambassador to promote the appeal of his hometown, Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.

According to the city of Gumi on the 4th, Lee will attend a pre-opening event for the '2026 Gumi Local Food Festa' at 11:30 a.m. on the 9th at the festival's main stage in Seoul Plaza, where he will receive his ambassador appointment plaque. Held on a large scale under the slogan "Gumi grows it, Gumi (口味) whets your appetite," the festival will feature Lee's first official engagement as ambassador: a segment in which he personally introduces outstanding local agricultural products, including a surprise auction of specialty crops.

"It is even more meaningful and truly an honor to be appointed ambassador for my hometown of Gumi," Lee said. "Given this wonderful opportunity, I will do my best to introduce Gumi's many attractions to as many people as possible." His selection was also aided by the affection for his hometown that he has consistently shown on numerous television programs.

Lee previously appeared on MBC's variety program 〈Hang Out With Yoo?〉, serving as a daylong guide to Gumi who led the cast and vividly introduced the area's landmarks and stories. He won a strong response from viewers after even revealing family members who live in Gumi. Lee remains active across major variety programs, including tvN's 〈You Quiz on the Block〉, MBC's 〈I Live Alone〉 and SBS' 〈Same Bed, Different Dreams 2: You Are My Destiny〉, as well as a range of online and offline stages, including 'YouTube FanFest Korea 2026.'