First Lady Kim Jung-sook Visits National Portrait Gallery with Australian Prime Minister Morrison's Wife

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jung-sook, the First Lady of President Moon Jae-in, who is on a state visit to Australia, visited the National Portrait Gallery together on the morning of the 13th at the invitation of Jenny Morrison, wife of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra exhibits portraits of various members of Australian society, including Indigenous Australians, politicians, clergy, artists, and athletes, and holds over 450 works.

In front of a portrait depicting climate disasters such as Australia's wildfires and droughts, First Lady Kim said, "It deeply moves me that the barren land full of dust was covered in green when photographed again a year later, reflecting efforts to turn despair into hope," adding, "Efforts are needed to pass on an intact Earth to future generations."

During a visit allowed amid the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, in front of a portrait capturing a mother beyond a window, she expressed, "The intention to capture the mother’s smile feels even more heartfelt."

She also viewed portraits of Indigenous elder Matilda House and Freeman, Australia’s first Indigenous track and field Olympian, saying, "I was impressed by how people from diverse cultural backgrounds in multicultural Australia live their best lives in their own places and change the world."

After viewing the special exhibition "Women Make History," First Lady Kim remarked, "The confidence of Australian women is impressive," and mentioned the exhibition "Jeju Haenyeo, Women of the Sea" held at the Sydney Maritime Museum, recommending a visit.

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