Kim Geon-hee and Mrs. Macron Lunch at ?lys?e Palace... "Korea-France Cultural Exchange Cooperation"

Discussion on Cultural and Artistic Collaboration Including K-pop, Designers, Exhibitions, and Gardens

On the 20th (local time), First Lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, had a friendly luncheon with Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris, France.

According to a written briefing by presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon, Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Macron engaged in a warm and amicable conversation focusing on the Korean Wave in France and cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries.

The two ladies found common ground in deepening cultural exchanges between Korea and France, including K-pop. Mrs. Macron expressed interest in Blackpink's participation in the 'Yellow Coin Collection Gala Concert' led for vulnerable groups, saying, "The Korean Wave itself is attractive, but the orderly way fans enjoy the performances is also very impressive."

Mrs. Kim responded, "Since both countries have great interest in culture and the arts, let us use this as a foundation to better understand each other and expand exchanges," and requested Mrs. Macron to show interest so that more excellent French artworks can be introduced in Korea.

In response, Mrs. Macron agreed to continue cooperation to ensure that good works are exhibited at the Pompidou Center branch scheduled to open in Seoul.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in other cultural and artistic fields such as design and gardens. Mrs. Kim said, "There are many talented young designers in Korea, but it is unfortunate that their abilities are not well known on the global stage," adding, "We need to consider how designers can enter the world stage more efficiently."

Mrs. Macron said she would invite Korean designers to the next 'Paris Design Week' to provide opportunities to introduce them to the global stage.

Also attending the luncheon was Jean-Michel Othoniel, a contemporary French artist known as the alchemist of glass.

When Othoniel, who held a solo exhibition titled 'Garden and Garden' at the Seoul Museum of Art last year, highly praised the harmony of Korean architecture and gardens, Mrs. Kim introduced, "Korean gardens are not spaces to be filled but spaces for emptying and meditation."

Mrs. Macron then proposed, "Let us cooperate to create a Korean-style garden in France," to which Mrs. Kim responded by agreeing to continue related discussions.

Mrs. Kim told Mrs. Macron, "Next time, I hope you will come to Korea in person to experience Korea’s unique culture and arts."

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