First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Meets Korean Residents Union in Japan: "We Will Remember Your Dedication and Support for Our Homeland"

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Holds Tea Meeting with Korean Residents Union in Japan on November 6
"Hoping This Becomes an Opportunity to Seek a Brighter Future for the Korean Community in Japan"

Kim Hye-kyung is greeting attendees before a tea meeting with the Korean Residents Union in Japan at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News

On November 6, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung held a tea meeting with 20 representatives from the Korean Residents Union in Japan at the Yongsan Presidential Office, expressing her gratitude for their efforts on behalf of the nation.

The Korean Residents Union in Japan is an organization composed of Korean women living in Japan. Since its establishment in 1949, it has engaged in activities such as providing relief supplies during the Korean War, fundraising for the Seoul Olympics, and remittance campaigns during the IMF financial crisis. First Lady Kim appeared wearing a light pink jeogori and a jade-colored skirt, while all the members also attended in hanbok.

First Lady Kim stated, "The Korean Residents Union in Japan launched a daily 10-yen fundraising campaign during the Seoul Olympics and a 100,000-yen per household campaign during the financial crisis, always stepping up in times of national hardship and serving as a steadfast pillar for our homeland. The Republic of Korea will long remember the dedication and affection you have shown."

She continued, "Last week, many distinguished guests who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit were deeply impressed by the beauty of hanbok and offered high praise. Meeting all of you today, who cherish and love your homeland, while dressed in hanbok, makes this occasion even more meaningful."

She also expressed her hope, saying, "I wish that today’s gathering will serve as an opportunity to seek a brighter future for the Korean community in Japan and to further strengthen our solidarity and cooperation."

Yoo Daeyoung, President of the Central Headquarters, responded, "Thanks to the President’s efforts to resume shuttle diplomacy and establish stable Korea-Japan relations, our union and the Korean community in Japan have also regained peace and are now actively engaged in various activities."

President Yoo added, "Helping marginalized compatriots and resuming the campaign for local suffrage are among the union’s top priorities for the development of the Korean community in Japan. Going forward, we will continue to work for the unity of our community, the nurturing of the next generation, and the enhancement of Korea-Japan relations."