Li Bingbing:Ambassador of Korean Culture

South Korea's Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Yu In-chon presents a plaque to Chinese actress Li Bingbing appointing her South Korea's Cultural Ambassador in China at his office in Seoul on August 20, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

Kung-fu blockbuster "The Forbidden Kingdom" has given Chinese actress Li Bingbing not only a solid international following, but also a historic honor.

On Wednesday, Li was appointed by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as the country's Cultural Ambassador in China. She will be named as the Promotional Ambassador for Seoul by the city mayor on Thursday, Sina.com.cn reported.

That would make the 32-year-old actress the first Asian entertainer in the Korean history to receive two official titles at the same time, Sina says, citing Joongang Daily, a major Korean newspaper.

With the titles, Li will shoulder the responsibility of promoting Korean culture in China.

"The Forbidden Kingdom," lauded as the first cooperation between kung-fu kings Jackie Chan and Jet Li, opened in South Korea in late April to packed houses.

Li Bingbing, who makes her international debut by playing a white-hair demon, has inspired many Korean girls to dye their hair white, Sina says.