Kim Hye-kyung and Vietnamese First Lady Ngo Phuong Li: A Warm Meeting Through Culture and Arts
On the 11th, Kim Hye-kyung had a meeting with Vietnamese First Lady Ngo Phuong Li, the wife of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, at the National Museum of Korea, strengthening the friendship between the two countries.
During the meeting, Kim wore a white hanbok with a pink hue, while Li donned a golden ao dai, showcasing the traditional attire of their respective countries.
According to the Presidential Office, during the meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office, Kim expressed her desire to meet Li, saying, "As a piano major, I have a strong interest in culture and arts."
Kim is a graduate of the piano department at Sookmyung Women's University, while Li is an expert in the arts, having majored in art and served as the Director of Culture and Arts at Vietnam's state broadcaster.
Li responded, "I am grateful and happy for the warm welcome," and added, "I believe cooperation in culture and arts between Korea and Vietnam will be achieved even more in the future."
Interest in Korea-Vietnam Cultural Exchange and Multicultural Families
The two first ladies engaged in a meaningful conversation about human interactions between their countries. Li mentioned that she met with Vietnamese women living in Korea the day before.
In response, Kim promised, "I will continuously pay attention to ensuring that Vietnamese women and children from multicultural families can stabilize and become a part of Korean society."
After a 45-minute conversation, the two ladies moved on to the National Museum of Korea.
Kim arrived first to welcome Li and, under the guidance of Director Yoo Hong-joon, they viewed representative cultural heritage of Korea, including the Seated Bodhisattva of Backgasa Temple, the Royal Protocols of the Oeguganggak, the white porcelain moon jar, the Buddha statue from Gamsansa, and the ten-story stone pagoda of Gyeongcheonsaji.
Li commented, "The Seated Bodhisattva of Backgasa Temple with its gentle smile is impressive," while Kim introduced, "The miniatures of the Seated Bodhisattva are among the most popular items in the 'Muse Shop.'"
Kim explained about the ceramics culture, saying, "Vietnam also has a developed ceramics culture, but Korea's techniques, as evidenced by the moon jars, are highly advanced."
Li acknowledged, "The moon jar appears simple, yet it is very charming," recognizing the beauty of Korean ceramics.
The Power of Cultural Content and Friendship through Merchandise
Kim asked if the recent Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' had increased museum visitors. Director Yoo replied, "On weekends, people line up an hour before opening, and we've seen about a 92% increase in visitors compared to the same period last year."
The two ladies also visited the museum's official merchandise store, 'Muse Shop.'
Li said, "It's a shopping paradise," and added, "I was told that if I apply for the (Seated Bodhisattva) merchandise now, it will be available in December. I will apply now as an excuse to come back again," creating a cheerful atmosphere.
Director Yoo promised, "If you come in December, I will give you the full set," and even showcased blue and ivory-colored merchandise of the Seated Bodhisattva.
Li purchased a towel featuring a dragon robe to gift to General Secretary Rum.
President Lee Jae-myung and his wife are scheduled to host a state dinner for General Secretary Rum and his spouse at 6:30 PM the same day.
While waiting for their vehicle, Li mentioned to Kim, "I would like to hear your love story during the dinner. I have researched a lot about you," prompting Kim to respond with a smile, "I'm embarrassed."
The dinner will be attended by 66 guests, including major domestic business figures such as Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, and Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, as well as lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, and individuals from business, culture, and sports.
From the Vietnamese side, 55 guests including General Secretary Rum, his spouse Ngo Phuong Li, Nguyen Thi Nhat, Chairman of the Central Inspection Commission, and ministers of public security and defense will join the dinner.
Image source: youtube 'ktv imagine'
