Exchange of Handcrafted Norigae After Traditional Knot-Making Experience
The presidential office announced that on the afternoon of August 23, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who is visiting Japan with President Lee Jaemyung, met with Yoshiko Ishiba, the wife of the Japanese Prime Minister, and spent time building friendship.
Deputy presidential spokesperson An Gwiryeong stated in a written briefing, "Mrs. Kim expressed her deep gratitude for the warm hospitality, saying that thanks to the thoughtful care of the Prime Minister and his wife, from the airport to the city center, she was able to arrive comfortably." In response, Mrs. Ishiba warmly welcomed her and said that she found it very meaningful to spend time with Kim Hye-kyung.
Afterwards, Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Ishiba participated in a traditional knot-making experience from both Korea and Japan. Deputy spokesperson An explained, "When Mrs. Ishiba described the meaning of the Japanese traditional knot as 'firmly binding the ties between people,' Mrs. Kim replied that Korean traditional knots are believed to bring good fortune and convey wishes for success and well-being."
She added, "Mrs. Kim remarked that although the traditional knots of Korea and Japan have different shapes, they share the need for perseverance, restraint, and heartfelt devotion over a long period of intertwining cords, which makes them very similar."
Additionally, Deputy spokesperson An reported that Mrs. Kim mentioned the main characters of the Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters," produced by Sony Pictures, who appeared wearing norigae made from knots, highlighting the limitless potential for cultural cooperation between Korea and Japan.
After the traditional knot-making experience, Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Ishiba exchanged the norigae they had made themselves. Deputy spokesperson An said, "Mrs. Kim explained that the chrysanthemum knot in the norigae symbolizes wishes for health, longevity, integrity, and lasting relationships. She added that these symbols resemble today's meeting and expressed her hope that the friendship between Korea and Japan would continue for a long time, just like the chrysanthemum knot." In response, Mrs. Yoshiko Ishiba said that it felt like they had formed an unbreakable bond today and that she would treasure the knot she received from Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung.
The traditional knot-making experience and conversation lasted 70 minutes, exceeding the scheduled time, and Deputy spokesperson An reported that the two first ladies promised to meet again in Korea.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
