First Lady Kim Jung-sook: "K-Culture Is Now at the Center of the Global Cultural Landscape"

In New York, USA, Meeting with Next-Generation Korean Youth... Conversation with 11 People Including Musical Actors, Chefs, and Animation Directors

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the occasion of attending the 76th United Nations General Assembly, First Lady Kim Jung-sook, who is visiting New York together with President Moon Jae-in, said at the 'Meeting with Next-Generation Korean Youth' held at the New York Korean Cultural Center on the 21st (local time), "K-Culture, loved by people all over the world, is now becoming the center of the global cultural landscape."

First Lady Kim Jung-sook conveyed, "The footprints of people who do not give up on their dreams despite passing through numerous hardships and the efforts of those who are navigating their paths in various cultural and artistic fields are raising the global status of K-Culture."

She encouraged, "If survival is the goal, it is drifting, but if the goal is Treasure Island, it is exploration," and added, "I hope you sail to your Treasure Island to the very end of hope and passion."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The meeting was attended by 11 next-generation leaders, including musical actor Hwang Ju-min, the first Korean to perform on the Tony Awards stage; Esther Choi, owner and chef of the New York Korean restaurant 'Meokba'; and animation director Kim Jin-gi.

Im Se-eun, deputy spokesperson of the Blue House, explained, "Among the attendees, Brian Jeon, the only teenager present and the creator of 'Hanbok Day' in Tenafly, New Jersey, introduced the process of establishing Hanbok Day and his experience with the Wall Street Taegeukgi flag-raising event," and added, "Park Soo-hyun, a violinist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, expressed hope that more Koreans could advance and pledged to help as a senior."

Hwang Hee, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "As today's theme suggests, the diversity of different cultures coming together will demonstrate greater creativity, and your role, knowing both Korean and American cultures well, is highly anticipated."

First Lady Kim Jung-sook said, "Hearing about what you have achieved despite difficulties warms my heart. During the COVID-19 situation, I confirmed the altruism, kindness, and community spirit of the Korean people. The government will carefully monitor and support so that the K-Culture craze does not fade away."

Deputy spokesperson Im said, "First Lady Kim Jung-sook presented Chuseok gifts prepared in Seoul and explained in detail the meaning of the gifts," adding, "The gifts included an eco-bag with the Ilwol Obongdo painting, Hangwa wrapped in a saekdong bojagi, and a Sumunjang mask with a dokkaebi face that is said to ward off bad luck."

Meanwhile, First Lady Kim Jung-sook visited the New York Consulate General to encourage staff who resolved many civil complaints during COVID-19 and delivered Chuseok gifts. She also visited the exhibition hall at the New York Korean Cultural Center with the director of the New York Cultural Center and viewed the photo exhibition of 200 Korean actors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.