Actor Lee Byung-hun, one of the top Korean stars leading the Korean Wave, has been named as honorary ambassador to promote French culture.

The French Embassy in Seoul said Thursday, `We had been looking for a top star who studied French language and literature to appoint him or her an honorary ambassador as part of our effort to celebrate the 120th anniversary of ties between Korea and France, and we chose Lee because he studied French language and literature at Hanyang University.`

Lee received his official letter of appointment at the Seoul Press Center. He will serve as a promoter of the French embassy`s cultural events for one year.