First Lady Kim Geon-hee's Letter to Architect Tadao Ando: "Let's Contribute to Korea-Japan Exchange"

Le Corbusier Exhibition Planner and Architect Connection
Tadao Ando "Thankful for Resonating with the Philosophy"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Lee Jae-myung, Deputy Spokesperson of the Presidential Office, announced in a written briefing on the 8th that First Lady Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-yeol, exchanged letters with the world-renowned architect Ando Tadao.

First Lady Kim sent a letter on the 1st and received a reply four days later.

Deputy Spokesperson Lee introduced that First Lady Kim conveyed her support to Ando Tadao, who has overcome terminal lung cancer and is actively engaged again, congratulated President Yoon Seok-yeol on his inauguration, and expressed gratitude for the gift sent to her.

In 2016, First Lady Kim, as an exhibition planner, held a large-scale exhibition introducing the French architect Le Corbusier to Korea for the first time. In particular, she organized a special session on Ando Tadao, who was inspired by reading Le Corbusier's works and transitioned from a boxer to an architect.

First Lady Kim Geon-hee's Letter to Architect Tadao Ando: "Let's Contribute to Korea-Japan Exchange"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In her recent letter, First Lady Kim said, "Through the work we did together in the past, we were able to deeply address the themes we want to present to our era through architecture," and added, "Let us continue the relationship that contributes to the close exchange between Korea and Japan."

In response, Ando Tadao shared his reflections on the exhibition planned by First Lady Kim and expressed his gratitude for her understanding of his architectural philosophy, Deputy Spokesperson Lee explained.

Last year, Ando Tadao also sent a commemorative gift for President Yoon’s inauguration to First Lady Kim’s side.

The gift included a 'Blue Apple' object sent to celebrate President Yoon’s inauguration, a booklet explaining his recent projects, a hand-drawn sketch of President Yoon and his wife as objects, and photos taken together during collaboration with First Lady Kim.