Korea Ocean Business Corp. unveils first official character 'Maro'

Korea Ocean Business Corp. (KOBC) unveiled its first official character, Maro, on Tuesday. The character is expected to make KOBC's role in maritime financial support — a concept that can feel abstract to the general public — more accessible and approachable.

The name Maro combines "marine" and "road," reflecting KOBC's mission to help chart the course for South Korea's maritime industry. The character is modeled after the finless porpoise, a native whale species long found in Korean waters and widely known as the "smiling whale."

KOBC plans to develop Maro into more than a promotional mascot, positioning the character as a communication asset that builds a genuine connection with the public. As a first step, free PC and mobile wallpapers featuring Maro are available on the KOBC blog, and additional content will be released through the agency's official social media channels.

A KOBC official said the agency plans to produce mobile sticker sets, plush toys, keyrings and other collectible merchandise, and to expand Maro's presence through a range of online and offline content and interactive programs.

KOBC President Ahn Byung-gil said the character carries "a strong ambition to protect the marine ecosystem and revitalize the maritime industry beneath that cute exterior," and asked the public to show Maro plenty of attention and support.