Jo Sumi and First Lady Kim Hyekyung's Close Friendship Draws Attention
Both Are Alumni of Sunhwa Arts High School
"I'm nervous, let me hold your hand."
Interest is growing in the close relationship between opera singer Jo Sumi and First Lady Kim Hyekyung, wife of President Lee Jaemyung, after Jo was seen saying these words to Kim at an official event.
First Lady Kim Hyekyung is having a conversation with opera singer Jo Sumi at the meeting with cultural and artistic awardees held on the 30th at the Fine Glass in the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Presidential Office Press Photographers Group
On the afternoon of June 30, President Lee invited Jo, Park Chunhyo, the writer of the Korean original musical "Maybe Happy Ending," ballet dancer Park Yunjae, director Kim Wonsuk, and others to the "Dream of a Cultural Powerhouse: Korea Advancing to the World" event at the Fine Glass in the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul. The event was organized so that President Lee could listen to suggestions on what kind of government support is needed for K-culture to become a central force on the global stage.
President Lee began by saying to Jo, "There's something I'm curious about." In response, Jo expressed her nervousness, saying, "I'm nervous," and "I wonder what you'll ask." She then turned to Kim, who was seated on her left, and said, "Let me hold your hand," before taking Kim's hand. Both Kim and President Lee smiled brightly and told her, "Don't worry." During the event, Jo and Kim were also seen whispering to each other and hugging.
The two are alumni of Sunhwa Arts High School. Jo graduated in the second class, while Kim was in the sixth. It is known that Kim refers to Jo as "senior." Kim majored in piano at Sunhwa Arts High School. At the event, Kim shared, "I met this person on August 9, and that week I received my visa, so I was debating whether to get married or go abroad to study." President Lee then commented, "You became an artist who nurtured your husband."
President Lee reportedly first became acquainted with Jo in 2017, during his time as mayor of Seongnam, through the "Jo Sumi Concert" organized by the Seongnam Cultural Foundation. Later, Jo left a "heart" comment on a video of Lee's pet dog posted on social media, to which Lee replied, "It's nice to hear from you, Ms. Jo, thank you," and added, "My wife next to me also sends her regards," which drew attention at the time.
Meanwhile, at the event, President Lee said, "I wasn't fully convinced of the potential of Korea's cultural capabilities, but after watching 'Poksak Sogasuda,' I thought this could be the decisive opportunity for Korea to emerge on the global stage as an industry." He added, "I strongly felt that by greatly expanding Korean culture, we could create jobs for our people and develop Korea's so-called soft power and influence around the world."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
