A Walk at Gyeongbokgung Gyeonghoeru with the First Lady of Sierra Leone
First Lady Kim Keon-hee is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Spouse Luncheon held on the 4th at Sangchunjae, the Blue House in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
First Lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, held a social event on the 4th at the Blue House with the spouses of African leaders visiting Korea for the Korea-Africa Summit.
In her greeting, Mrs. Kim said, "Korea has experienced miraculous growth in a short period after rising from the ruins of war over 60 years ago, and Africa is also attracting global attention as the fastest-growing continent." She emphasized, "Inviting so many African leaders to discuss the future is the first time in Korean history," according to spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung.
Mrs. Kim mentioned that Korea and Africa share many cultural and emotional similarities. In particular, she said, "The reason we were able to overcome historical pains such as war and colonial rule and develop rapidly is because we share the 'motherly sentiment' of sacrifice and resilience for our children."
She added, "I understand that African primitive art has greatly influenced modern artists, including expressionist abstract art. Just as Africa has led modern art, it has ample potential to become the center of global economic and cultural development in the future."
Mrs. Kim expressed to the spouses of the leaders, "I would like to thank you for attending this meaningful event today, and I hope that Korea and Africa will strengthen their friendship here and continue active exchanges and cooperation."
The African leaders' spouses expressed their gratitude to Mrs. Kim and responded that they hope to learn from Korea's development experience. They also showed deep interest in Mrs. Kim's social activities related to climate environment, animal protection, and children's rights, conveying their hope that people in Africa and around the world will join her efforts.
First Lady Kim Keon-hee is explaining about Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace while taking a walk before a tea gathering with Fatima Maada Bio, the spouse of the Sierra Leonean president, during the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Spouses' Social Event held on the 4th in the Gyeonghoeru area of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
After the spouses' program, Mrs. Kim had a tea meeting at Gyeongbokgung Palace with Fatima Maada Bio, wife of the President of Sierra Leone. This meeting was arranged at the request of the Sierra Leone side.
Mrs. Bio mentioned issues of sexual violence and child marriage against women in Sierra Leone and said, "We are building a public hospital that will be a safe haven for women," adding, "We will hold an opening ceremony on July 2 and invite first ladies from other countries to promote a campaign to protect women and children from sexual violence and child marriage."
In response, Mrs. Kim said, "I deeply empathize with the seriousness of sexual violence against women, child marriage, and human trafficking. Since you have directly proposed this, I will actively consider ways I can assist."
After the tea meeting, Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Bio took a walk around Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and talked. Mrs. Kim saw Mrs. Bio off first before leaving. The Presidential Office stated, "Gyeongbokgung Palace is a representative cultural heritage where one can glimpse Korean royal culture, and especially Gyeonghoeru Pavilion is a place where the royal family welcomed guests. Mrs. Kim personally selected this location to showcase Korea's atmosphere, elegance, and charm."
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