Singer John Park has been appointed a goodwill ambassador to help promote the Foreign Ministry’s campaign for poverty reduction by raising funds from airline taxes.

Since 2007, airline passengers have been levied a 1,000 won tax on each international flight ticket purchase, which is used to help fund the government’s contribution to global poverty eradication.

The 15 billion won collected annually goes to non-profit organizations and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, a state-run aid organization, which uses the fund to help fight poverty and disease in African countries. 

“Not many people know they are donating 1,000 won to African countries when they fly to foreign countries,” said a Foreign Ministry official. “We selected John Park, who’s known for his good image, to promote the air ticket solidarity levy that offers hope to the least developed countries in Africa.”

Pledging active participation in promoting the anti-poverty effort, Park’s agency said the appointment is meaningful in that Park can contribute to helping underprivileged people in Africa.

Park will begin by participating in the “Happy Flight for Global Poverty Eradication” campaign, scheduled to be held at the Incheon International Airport on Tuesday.

By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)