Kpop diplomacy: Presidents of France, South Korea have lunch with Korean stars

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron attended a luncheon in Seoul on Friday (April 3) joined by South Korean celebrities and business leaders for a touch of Kpop diplomacy.

Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun and Felix, a member of Kpop group Stray Kids, recently named honorary ambassadors of the French Embassy in South Korea, were among the attendees. Business leaders including Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung were also present.

At a separate event during the two-day state visit, the two countries signed agreements on cultural technology cooperation and critical mineral supply, according to South Korea’s Blue House.

The leaders said during a joint news conference that they would seek to strengthen defence ties and work together to address economic and energy challenges linked to tensions in Iran.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safe maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, Lee said.

The two leaders also met on Thursday (April 2) night in a traditional reception hall in the South Korea’s Blue House, where Lee presented Macron with an ornamental piece inspired by a gift once given by King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty to French President Sadi Carnot in 1886 to mark the establishment of diplomatic ties. 

The gifts for Brigitte Macron included a set of tableware and signed albums by K-pop artists such as BTS, Stray Kids and G-Dragon, the Blue House said.

-Yunji Ha, Sebin Choi/Reuters