Ukrainian student crowned third at Korea's iconic beauty pageant

Anhelina Herasymenko, a 23-year-old Ukrainian graduate student at Kyungpook National University, has claimed third place at a beauty pageant honoring one of Korea's most beloved literary figures. The win marks the second consecutive year a foreign student has taken an award at the Global Chunhyang Selection Contest, reflecting its push to expand its international reach. Last week's contest in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, named Herasymenko as Chunhyang Mi, the third of six titles — Jin, Seon, Mi, Jeong, Suk and Hyeon. “Grateful for every step that led me here, every lesson that shaped me and every person who walked this path with me. It still feels like a dream unfolding,” Herasymenko wrote on social media. “I will continue to grow, staying true to myself as a Chunhyang, carrying the beauty of Namwon and the charming spirit of Korean traditions into the world.” The contest is part of the Namwon Chunhyang Festival, founded in 1931 during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial era, when local residents came together to honor the spirit of Chunhyang and preserve national pride. Chunhyang

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