The foreign ministry plans to strengthen its public diplomacy next year to improve South Korea’s image abroad and help increase its influence among foreign audiences, an official said Wednesday.

Under the plan, the ministry is seeking a budget of 5 billion won ($4.5 million) for next year, which will be used to hold government-sponsored cultural programs and K-pop events in South America, the Middle East and Africa.

It is the first time that the ministry has sought a budget to promote such events overseas, the ministry official said.

“Strengthening public diplomacy is very important for our country’s long-term vision as it helps foreigners better understand Korea and promote a friendly attitude toward Korea,” the official said on the condition of anonymity.

Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan has stressed the need to further strengthen public diplomacy capabilities using “soft power” such as culture, K-pop and movies, in order to respond more effectively to the current diplomatic environment, in which public diplomacy is playing a larger role.

In a phenomenon known as the Korean Wave or “Hallyu” in Korean, South Korean TV dramas, movies and pop music had captivated fans in Asia and other parts of the world over the past several years.

At present, the Korean government expects a renewed surge of interest thanks to the growing popularity of K-pop bands such as Super Junior, Girls’ Generation and rapper Psy’s global hit “Gangnam Style.” (Yonhap News)