Tak Hyun-min: "Moon was so unfamiliar at the G7 Summit... I saw a closeness he had never shown before"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] Tak Hyunmin, Protocol Secretary at the Blue House, recalled his experience during the G7 Summit held last month in Cornwall, UK, drawing attention.

On the 2nd, Secretary Tak revealed behind-the-scenes stories of the G7 Summit and the state visit to Austria in episode 168 of broadcaster Kim Eo-jun's YouTube show 'Das Boida.' He said, "The G7 is a meeting body that especially emphasizes intimacy among leaders," adding, "Unlike other summits, there is no fixed protocol. It wouldn't be easy to come up with such an idea," and "(I myself) saw such a scene for the first time," sharing his reflections.

Secretary Tak recalled that President Moon showed "a different side (from usual) during the G7 Summit. For example, he showed me a smile and warmth that he had never shown before." He continued, "Since we were guests, it must have been unfamiliar, but he quickly adapted to the atmosphere," joking, "It was a strange feeling I hadn't seen in nearly 10 years." This expression is interpreted as indicating that President Moon mingled comfortably with other leaders in the diplomatic setting of the G7.

When Kim asked, "How popular was President Moon?" Secretary Tak replied, "Only four countries among 200 worldwide were invited. India, Australia, South Africa, etc., broadly belong to the Commonwealth, and our country was included among them." He also said, "British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent a written invitation to the President and called several times," adding, "That could serve as an answer."

Secretary Tak Hyun-min, who appeared on episode 168 of Kim Eo-jun's Das Bweida, is recalling the time of the G7 summit. Photo by YouTube 'Ddanzi Broadcasting Station' video capture

Meanwhile, in this video, Secretary Tak shared various behind-the-scenes stories from past summits with Austria, Spain, and the United States, along with remarks such as "Each country really has to put a lot of effort into tour events." He also mentioned, "Although the timing cannot be specified, large-scale multilateral meetings will continue."