First Lady Kim Geon-hee Says in Foreign Media Interview, "I Will Be a Salesperson for K-Culture"

President and First Lady Unusually Emphasize Sales
Actively Promote Han Culture During Foreign Dignitary Visits and Overseas Trips

President Yoon Suk-yeol has been proclaiming himself as South Korea's No. 1 salesperson since last year, leading various MOU signings and investment attractions during his overseas trips. Meanwhile, his wife, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, has also stepped forward to take on the role of a 'K-Culture Salesperson.'

Mrs. Kim Keon-hee viewing an artwork at the 14th Gwangju Biennale exhibition

It is an unusual case for both the presidential couple to publicly volunteer for direct sales roles. Given that First Lady Kim is a businesswoman who has been involved in art exhibitions and planning, and currently serves as the honorary chairperson of the Korea Visit Year Committee, her active move is interpreted as a bridge role to promote Korean culture overseas.

On the 26th (local time), the U.S. art media outlet Artnet News reported that when asked about her role in the development of Korean art as the First Lady, Kim responded that she could serve as a 'K-Culture Salesperson' who promotes and encourages Korean culture abroad.

First Lady Kim emphasized, "During President Yoon's first year in office, when traveling overseas or meeting international figures, I could feel how much the status of Korean culture and arts has risen. Interest has grown in various fields, from K-pop, dramas, and movies to fashion, food, and traditional culture. Considering Korea's diversity, originality, and creativity, our culture holds tremendous potential."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the growth of the Korean art market, she said, "Until now, art in Korea has tended to be seen as distant and difficult. However, recently, more and more people, especially young people, are enjoying art and exhibitions," adding, "I believe we are moving in a positive direction. In the long term, the more people are exposed to and enjoy art, the more refined Koreans' artistic tastes will become, which will play an important role in producing globally renowned artists."

First Lady Kim actively introduces Korean culture during overseas trips and visits by foreign dignitaries. In December last year, during the state visit of then Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and in April during the visit of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) inspection team, she held cultural experience events at the Blue House's Sangchunjae. She also indirectly and directly promotes Korean culture by preparing gifts imbued with Korean traditional culture and spirit during overseas trips and wearing clothes and bags made by Korean designers. Additionally, during the state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January, she visited the presidential palace library to promote the international book fairs held in Korea and the UAE and discussed book exchanges. Last month, at the Korea-Pacific Islands Summit held in Seoul, First Lady Kim personally introduced Korean culture and arts to the spouses of various heads of state.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

She plans to continue creating opportunities for cultural exchange with countries around the world through Korean culture. First Lady Kim introduced her experience during the state visit to the U.S. in April, where she admired works by American abstract art master Mark Rothko with First Lady Jill Biden in Washington D.C., and visited the National Museum of Asian Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to discuss cooperation with Korean art museums and galleries. She stated, "I believe I can serve as a bridge to promote cultural and artistic exchanges between Korea and the U.S. or to revitalize stalled discussions."

First Lady Kim also stressed, "Culture has no borders, and a country's international status and dignity are determined by its unique arts and culture. Arts and culture can play a significant role in resolving complex political, economic, and diplomatic issues intertwined among countries," adding, "In cultural diplomacy, I believe I must serve as a K-Culture Salesperson who promotes our culture and as a facilitator supporting the president and the government."

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