Nam Center Mascot Design Contest – Winners Announcement

First Prize: Jane Haeun Lee

Mascot Name: Mi Nam-i 

Description: 

Hello! My name is Mi Nam-i. 💛💙

Originally, I was just “Mi Nam,” short for Michigan and Nam Center. But then my friends and family kept calling me “Mi Nam-ah,” “Mi-Nam,” “Mi Nam-i”… and eventually the name Mi Nam-i stuck. In Korean, 미남 (mi-nam) means “handsome guy,” and since I’m definitely the most handsome one in my family, I’d say the name is 100% accurate.

I have many siblings—some of my older brothers guard places like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Tower in Seoul. I’m the youngest, the baby of the family. When I was born, I had a little birthmark on my forehead shaped like an M, just like the University of Michigan’s emblem. So the heavens took one look and said, “Ah, this one is meant for Ann Arbor,” and sent me to watch over the Nam Center for Korean Studies.

At first, I was a bit lonely here. I didn’t know anyone, and the squirrels ran away very fast. But then all the amazing Nam Center fellows, students, staff, and faculty made this place feel like home. I’ve actually been here since the Nam Center was established, quietly protecting everyone… you just haven’t seen me.

You’re not supposed to see me.

Because I am a haetae (해태)—a traditional Korean imaginary creature of justice and protection.…Well, “imaginary.” Let’s just say I exist on the 4th floor of Weiser Hall in a slightly different dimension. 👀

In Korean folklore, haetae are known for:

• Telling right from wrong
• Loving justice
• Protecting people from fire and disasters

I take my job very seriously. I care deeply about what is fair and right, and I feel a special connection to Koreans throughout history who have stood up against injustice.

On the outside, I look cute (I really do) and very huggable, but don’t be fooled—

I have a fiery personality. 🔥 When I see something unfair, when someone is treated badly, or when any danger comes near our Nam Center community, the flame on my tail suddenly flares up and I become “Scary Mi Nam-i.” I’ll do everything I can to protect you—students, fellows, faculty, staff, and all friends of the Nam Center.

Most of the time, though, I keep my flame small and warm so I can just play. I like to chase squirrels on the Diag and stroll around campus at night. When I first arrived, I tried to make friends with other animals, but… they saw the fire on my tail and ran away. So I had to learn meditation to control my flame—warm and cozy, not scary.

Of course, sometimes when I get too excited, the fire poofs out again and… things get a little crispy. You know those extra dry, crunchy brown leaves you see around campus? 🍂

Yeah… some of those might be my fault. I was just having too much fun playing with the squirrels. Oops.

My love language is giving.

When I really like someone, I love to gift them yakgwa (약과)—a sweet, sticky traditional Korean honey cookie. It’s my absolute favorite snack in the whole universe. If you officially recognize me as the mascot of the Nam Center, I promise to have a special Yakgwa Day to share them with all of you as a sign of my love and gratitude. (At that point, I might even consider becoming slightly more visible. Maybe. We’ll see.)

Anyway, I’ve talked about myself a lot, and there’s a squirrel I need to go check on.

Next time you see a little pile of dry leaves on campus, or feel a tiny warm breeze on the 4th floor of Weiser Hall…

Think of me.

It’s me, Mi Nam-i. 🌟🦁🔥

Second Prize: Jiyoo Shin

Mascot Name: Nami

Description: 

Nami is more than a name—it is a living emblem of Korea’s spirit. Rooted in the ideals of harmony and perseverance, Nami represents the beauty and strength that have defined Korean culture for centuries. The name combines simplicity with depth: “Na” reflects individuality and identity, while “Mi” signifies beauty and hope. Together, Nami stands for “the beautiful essence of Korea and its people."

Visually, Nami’s design is both striking and meaningful. With arms outstretched and legs poised, the mascot takes on the shape of a radiant star. This star-like form represents Korea’s outstanding heritage, its devotion to education, and its flourishing culture. At the center of Nami’s rounded body lies the Taeguek, a sacred symbol that conveys the eternal harmony of heaven and earth, as well as the boundless creations that exist between them. In this way, Nami mirrors the symbolism of Korea’s national flag, carrying within its design the luminous hope that one day the two Koreas will be reunited, whole and indivisible.

Beyond its physical form, Nami’s smiling and benevolent face captures the essence of the Korean spirit. It reflects the resilience and positivity of a people who have endured centuries of trials, invasions, and wars, yet never lost their smile. This enduring optimism is a testament to the strength of Korean heritage, a reminder that even in hardship, joy and perseverance remain at the heart of the nation’s identity.

Nami is also a versatile figure, capable of adapting to different cultural contexts. The mascot can be adorned with traditional accessories such as the gat, a noble hat, or the ttakji, a playful folded paper game, along with countless other cultural treasures. This adaptability ensures that Nami can represent Korea across a wide range of occasions, blending tradition with modern expression while maintaining dignity and pride.

In essence, Nami is more than a mascot; it is a living emblem of Korea’s past, present, and future. Through its name, form, and symbolism, Nami encapsulates the nation’s heritage, resilience, and aspirations. It stands as a beacon of hope, a guardian of tradition, and a radiant symbol of Korea’s enduring pride.

Third Prize: Anna Kwak

Mascot Name: Namkkaebi 

Description:

Meet the Namkkaebi!

My mascot’s name is Namkkaebi. The name Namkkaebi is a combination of Nam and dokkaebi, which is a Korean traditional ogre/goblin. A dokkaebi is often seen in ancient Korean art and in folktales with a fearsome and mischievous look, sometimes featuring one or two horns, bulging eyes, and a tiger-skin outfit. My Namkkaebi sports a non-intimidating look with two horns, a gender-neutral hairdo, and a maize T-shirt complete with a block M. Some of Namkkaebi’s favorite things to do are play yutnori, make kimchi with friends, and read Korean books from the University of Michigan library. Also, Namkkaebi’s favorite place on the U-M campus is the Nam Center!!

Third Prize: Victoria Lee

Mascot Name: Ji-Ho 

Description:

Ji-Ho (지호) is a friendly little tiger who loves exploring Korean culture and sharing it with the University of Michigan community. His name means “Lake of Wisdom,” reflecting both Korean knowledge and Michigan’s identity as the Great Lakes State.

Ji-Ho wears a maize-and-blue hanbok vest, along with a simple gat-inspired hat, a traditional men’s hat worn with the hanbok, to celebrate Korean heritage. Curious and warmhearted, he enjoys learning new things, meeting people, and bringing Korean stories, traditions, and creativity to Ann Arbor. Whether he’s cheering at campus events or welcoming guests, Ji-Ho embodies the Nam Center’s spirit of connection, culture, and community.