Super Junior appointed ambassador of Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority

Members of boy band Super Junior pose for photos with officials from the Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority on Monday. [SM ENTERTAINMENT]

Boy band Super Junior is the first artist to be appointed the ambassador of the Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority.

The agreement was signed during a gala dinner show held on Monday at the Westin Josun Hotel in central Seoul by the Saudi tourism authority. Members Leeteuk, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Ryeowook and Kyuhyun were designated as the ambassadors.

As ambassadors, Super Junior will promote Saudi Arabian culture and various events around the world. The Saudi tourist body has 16 offices around the world including in Korea.

"We are very happy to welcome Super Junior as the Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority's ambassador," said Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of APAC Markets at the tourism authority.

"We have always had an amicable relationship with K-pop's legendary group Super Junior. We hope to continue a close and friendly relationship through this opportunity."

Super Junior held a solo concert in 2019 in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first Asian band to do so. Last March, the band announced the launch of a travel entertainment show in Saudi Arabia funded by the Saudi Tourism Authority titled "Knight of the Lamp."

"We recently had a memorable time in Saudi Arabia after being invited by the Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority," Leeteuk said in a video message on Monday as he was unable to attend in person.

"Saudi isn't as far away as we think. There are many direct flights there so we hope you visit a lot."

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]