Gyeonggi Province Appoints Virtual Human as Spokesperson, First Local Government in Korea to Do So

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hoon Reporter] Gyeonggi Province appointed 'Bandi,' a virtual human, as the province's official spokesperson on the 20th, marking the first such appointment by a local government entity in Korea.

A virtual human is a computer-generated character created using advanced computer graphics (CG) technology that operates on social media and in advertising videos.

'Bandi' is a model created with meticulous detail by 'VA Corporation,' a one-stop metaverse platform company, using virtual human core technology, so realistic that it is difficult to distinguish from an actual woman in her 20s.

The name Bandi (Van:D) combines 'Virtual And' and 'Digital' with a smiling emoticon ':D,' expressing the meaning of 'lighting up the world like a firefly.'

The province selected Bandi as the 14th official spokesperson for Gyeonggi Province to reflect strong interest in the 'metaverse,' which connects the virtual and real worlds, and to strengthen communication with the MZ generation (Millennials + Gen Z) that has grown together with digital media.

This marks the first time a local government entity has appointed a virtual human as an official spokesperson.

Over the next two years, Bandi will introduce provincial administration and major events to residents through digital spaces such as social media and the metaverse.

Additionally, Bandi will serve as a communication channel with residents while operating extensively without constraints of time and space.

Bandi's first meeting with residents will be unveiled soon through Gyeonggi Province's YouTube channel.

Lee Sung-ho, Gyeonggi Province PR and Planning Director, stated, "Bandi is a guide to Gyeonggi Province's preparation for the metaverse world and a special friend for Gyeonggi residents who will live another life within metaverse platforms," and added, "I hope Bandi will actively continue its role as a messenger of provincial administration as an official spokesperson for Gyeonggi Province."

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province currently has a total of 14 official spokespersons in action, including virtual human 'Bandi,' traditional musician Song So-hee, and profiler Kwon Il-yong.