President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, during their visit to Nara Prefecture in Japan, engaged in discussions with Korean-Japanese artists on the 13th of the month. The purpose of this meeting was to facilitate a dialogue on cultural and artistic collaborations between South Korea and Japan, as highlighted by Cheong Wa Dae Deputy Spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo.
The overall goal was to support and inspire Korean-Japanese artists working in Japan while also investigating potential avenues for cultural exchanges that can unite both nations.
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Kim, as reported, handcrafted traditional Korean sweets including songhwa dasik, pine nut yogak, saengnan, yulran, and yakgwa on the previous day in Korea before meeting with Korean-Japanese artists in Japan.
Upon presenting the traditional treats to the guests, Kim received warm reception and appreciation from the participants, who were deeply touched by her genuine gesture, as stated by Deputy Spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo.
The gathering was graced by a total of eight Korean-Japanese creatives, among them actor Park So-hee, known for her role in the acclaimed series ‘Pachinko’, as well as distinguished writers Kimitsuho and Choi A-hee, renowned singer Makoto, accomplished playwright and director Jeong Eui-shin, and popular cooking content creator Ko Hyun-cheol.
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Kim says, “You are very precious individuals connecting the two countries”, and added, “I live with the hope of being recognized in both South Korea and Japan, but I am well aware that this itself is not easy and the process is also very difficult”.
The attendees introduced their ongoing Korea-Japan cultural exchange activities in their respective fields and expressed their desire to continue playing a role in connecting the two countries through art.
Moreover, they concurred that a more effective approach would involve developing a strategic framework for ongoing collaboration between the two countries, starting from the initial stages of planning.
It is essential to enhance mutual cultural understanding and respect through engaging with diverse settings like educational institutions and local communities on a regular basis. Kim orchestrated the creation of a time capsule with the participants, encapsulating their aspirations and visions for fostering Korea-Japan relations.
Before departing that day, as President Lee attempted to go in a different direction while heading to the dedicated aircraft at Seoul Airport, Kim was seen linking arms and pulling him.
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After arriving in Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi greeted Kim, saying, “I’ve seen you on TV, and you are indeed beautiful,” to which Kim responded, “That’s what I was going to say, thank you”.