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Korean and French first ladies talk Hallyu, cultural exchanges

Published: 21 Jun. 2023, 08:56 Updated: 21 Jun. 2023, 16:01

Korean first lady Kim Keon-hee, left, and French first lady Brigitte Macron pose for a commemorative photo at Élysée Palace in Paris on Tuesday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

PARIS – Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee and her French counterpart, Brigitte Macron, discussed strengthening cultural and artistic exchanges over a friendship luncheon held at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Tuesday, according to the presidential office.

The meeting came as President Yoon Suk Yeol and French President Emmanuel Macron held a bilateral meeting the same day. The Korean presidential couple visited France to attend the general assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in support of Busan's 2030 World Expo bid.

The two first ladies particularly focused on the popularity of Hallyu, or Korean wave, and Macron recalled that Korean girl group Blackpink performed at a French charity gala event that she had organized in January.

Macron said she was “impressed” not only by the charms of Hallyu but by the way in which fans enjoy concerts in an orderly manner despite the intense music, Lee Do-woon, the presidential spokesman, said in a statement.

“As both countries are very interested in each other's culture and arts, let's understand each other better and expand exchanges,” Kim said, laying out hopes for more French art pieces to be introduced in Korea.

Macron also proposed creating a Korean-style garden in France.

Kim said it is “regrettable” that there are young Korean designers with excellent capabilities, but that there weren’t more chances to introduce them to the world, to which Macron said she will create such opportunities.

On Tuesday, Kim also met with foreign correspondents in France and called for their support of Busan’s World Expo bid, according to the presidential office.

The first ladies also toured the “2023 Korean Cultural Festival – Taste Korea!” event held in Paris, organized by the city of Busan and the Korean Cultural Center in France to promote Korean cuisine and culture in France.

Kim caught the public's attention thanks to a key ring engraved with the words "Busan is ready" that was fastened to her handbag as she departed with Yoon on the presidential jet for Paris as a part of a six-day overseas trip on Monday.

BY SARAH KIM [[email protected]]