'Why is Tom hyung coming out from there?'... Surprise meeting with Park Byeong-seok, Speaker of the National Assembly, in UAE

During his tour of the Middle East, Park Byeong-seok, Speaker of the National Assembly, had an unexpected meeting and conversation with Hollywood star Tom Cruise at a restaurant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), his first destination, on the 11th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Park Byeong-seok, Speaker of the National Assembly, who is on a tour of two Middle Eastern countries, had a 'surprise encounter' with Hollywood star Tom Cruise at a restaurant.

On the 11th (local time), Park Byeong-seok, Speaker of the National Assembly, who is touring the Middle East, met actor Tom Cruise in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), his first destination.

Tom Cruise was staying in Abu Dhabi for the filming of the movie "Mission: Impossible 7".

Tom Cruise and Speaker Park happened to have dinner at the same restaurant, and it is known that Tom Cruise, upon hearing the news, requested the meeting first.

The restaurant manager said, "Tom Cruise is here and heard that the Speaker of the Korean National Assembly is present and wants to greet him," and asked the delegation, to which Speaker Park readily agreed.

Then Tom Cruise, who was dining on the second floor, came down to Speaker Park's table on the first floor to greet him.

During his tour of the Middle East, Park Byeong-seok, Speaker of the National Assembly, coincidentally met Hollywood star Tom Cruise at a restaurant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), his first destination, on the 11th (local time) and took a commemorative photo together. [Image source=Yonhap News]

When Speaker Park introduced himself, saying, "I am the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea," Tom Cruise said, "I came here to film the desert scenes for Mission: Impossible. I really like Korea and wanted to greet you."

He continued, "I have been to Korea more than 20 times. I have liked it since I was young," and added, "I was supposed to go to Korea last year for filming, but I couldn't because of COVID-19. I definitely plan to go again."

When Speaker Park said, "Please contact me when you come to Korea," Tom Cruise nodded in response.

The unexpected 'surprise meeting' between the two caused guests to suddenly pull out their cameras and rush over, creating a brief commotion in the restaurant.

Meanwhile, Tom Cruise is a friendly 'pro-Korea' actor known as 'Kind Uncle Tom' in Korea. He has visited Korea several times for movie promotions and has many domestic fans due to his always dedicated stage manners.

Speaker Park has been on an official visit to the UAE and Bahrain from the 9th to the 17th.