South Korean Influencer Zion Hwang Receives Colombian Citizen Insignia
South Korean influencer and singer Zion Hwang marked a significant moment in his relationship with Colombia after receiving an official insignia recognizing him as a Colombian citizen, following more than a decade of living in the country. The recognition came after a public request by the content creator, who in recent years has repeatedly expressed his desire to formalize the bond he has built with Colombia.
Hwang received the insignia after publicly expressing his intention to become Colombian. The influencer had directly appealed to President Abelardo De La Espriella through a video, asking for support in the process.
For Hwang, the gesture represents the culmination of a relationship that began more than ten years ago, when he arrived in Colombia and eventually made the country the center of his personal, professional, and artistic life.
South Korean influencer Zion Hwang asked the president for help with his Colombian nationality process
The path toward this recognition gained momentum when Hwang used his digital platforms to publicly express his desire to officially become Colombian. In his message, he explained that the country had taken on a special meaning in his life and that he wanted to be recognized as Colombian after so many years of living in and becoming integrated into the country.
His request received an institutional response. The case was referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that the content creator could learn about the corresponding procedure. Hwang was later received at the San Carlos Palace, where he was given guidance on the requirements for moving forward with the process.
The presentation of the insignia thus became a public expression of the bond between the influencer and Colombia. However, the recognition must be understood within the framework of the country’s legal naturalization process. Law 2332 of 2023 establishes that Colombian nationality by adoption requires a naturalization process and that the decision rests with the state, in accordance with the requirements established by law.
Therefore, the insignia and the legal procedure are not necessarily equivalent. The regulations establish that simply submitting a naturalization application does not mean that a foreign national has acquired Colombian citizenship. In this case, the insignia primarily represents a symbolic recognition of the relationship Hwang has built with the country and his contribution to promoting Colombian culture abroad. Through his social media platforms, the influencer has shown millions of followers aspects of Colombian cuisine, traditions, expressions and everyday life, helping to project an image of the country to international audiences while strengthening cultural exchange between Colombia and South Korea.
From South Korea to a life built in Colombia
Zion Hwang was born in South Korea and lived in other countries before settling in Colombia. He arrived in the country at a young age and, over the years, developed much of his professional career there.
His presence on social media has been characterized by showcasing everyday aspects of Colombia from the perspective of a foreigner who chose to make the country his home. His posts have covered everything from traditional dishes to popular expressions, iconic locations, and customs that are part of Colombia’s national identity.
Among the content that helped him connect with Colombian audiences are his experiences with traditional dishes such as ajiaco, bandeja paisa, and changua, as well as his reactions to words and expressions commonly used in the country. This approach, largely based on spontaneity, allowed him to build a community of followers interested both in his cultural background and in his experience adapting to life in Colombia.
Today, his digital community includes millions of followers on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, where he combines entertainment and personal experiences with content related to Colombian and Korean culture.
Music, gastronomy and entrepreneurship
The South Korean creator has also developed business and artistic projects during his years in Colombia.
In the food industry, he opened Arirang, a Korean restaurant in Bogota. The establishment became one of the initiatives through which he has sought to introduce aspects of his native culture to Colombian audiences.
His entrepreneurial journey has also faced challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business went through a difficult period that threatened its continuity. In response, Hwang turned to other activities, including teaching Korean online and creating digital content. These strategies helped him sustain his projects during that challenging period.
At the same time, he developed a music career focused on Colombian popular music. In 2023, he released the single ¿Culpa de Quien?, which helped establish his career as a singer. He later collaborated with Jessi Uribe, one of the recognized names in the Colombian popular music scene.
His entry into music also brought him closer to prominent figures in the regional and popular music scene, including artists such as Paola Jara and Yeison Jimenez. In addition, his work gained attention within Colombia’s music industry, and he was nominated at the 2024 Premios Mi Gente in the Best Regional Collaboration category