First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Visits U.S. Library of Congress: "Deeply Moved by Respect for Our History and Culture Abroad"

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who is visiting the United States with President Lee Jaemyung, visited the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on the 25th (local time) to view major holdings such as materials related to Korea and to encourage Korean American staff, according to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Ahn Gwiryeong.

Yonhap News

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The Library of Congress is effectively the national library of the United States and boasts the world's largest collection of books and materials, with more than ten Korean American staff members working there. First Lady Kim said it was very meaningful to visit the Library of Congress, a global repository of knowledge and culture, and, guided by Korean American librarian Ellie Kim, she examined Korean-related materials held by the library.

Deputy Spokesperson Ahn stated, "First Lady Kim Hye-kyung expressed that she was deeply moved to see that the history and culture of our people are respected and studied even in distant lands, after viewing Korean-related materials such as the oldest existing design of the Taegeukgi (Korean national flag), the Dongguk Isanggukjip which contains the origins of kimchi, and Joseon-era metal type." Ahn added that First Lady Kim also met with Korean American staff who carefully manage and promote these materials, expressing her gratitude to them.

The Korean American staff warmly welcomed her, noting that this was the first time a Korean First Lady had visited the Library of Congress. They said that working with Korean-related materials had increased their interest in Korean society and allowed them to feel the growing strength of the nation, and that her visit would inspire them to work with even greater enthusiasm.

Deputy Spokesperson Ahn explained, "First Lady Kim remarked that the Korean government should continue to make efforts so that Korean American staff can take even more pride in their work." Ahn added, "She also heard that the Library of Congress is very willing to cooperate with Korea, and she pledged to provide all necessary support to further develop the Korean archives in a substantial way."

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