S. Korean actress named YouTube goodwill ambassador

SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actress Song Hye-kyo was named regional
ambassador for the world's first online orchestra being set up by YouTube, the
video-sharing web site said Friday.
In a ceremony in Hong Kong, Song, 26, was appointed Goodwill Ambassador to the
Asia-Pacific for the envisioned "YouTube Symphony," the Google-based web site
said.
"As a lover of classical music, I'm here to remind you that there's only a month
left to sign up for a global audition," Song said on a video clip posted on
YouTube.
Song soared to fame with her role as a leukemia-stricken girl in the mega-hit
Korean TV drama "Autumn in My Heart" in 2000. The drama was later broadcast in
Japan and several other Asian countries, making her an Asia-wide celebrity.
YouTube is accepting video entries from hopefuls looking to become part of its
online orchestra, which started in December and will run until Jan. 28. Those who
pass the audition will join the virtual symphony to be launched in April, it
said.
Finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges and YouTube users and will travel
to New York in April to participate in the YouTube Symphony Orchestra summit and
play at Carnegie Hall with American conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
YouTube launched a Korean-language version of its service in January and has
since seen its traffic expand rapidly.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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