Meeting with the Association to Hear Updates and Encourage Activities
A Women’s Organization for Koreans in Japan Established in 1949
On November 6, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung met with members of the Korean Women's Association in Japan, who were visiting Korea for a domestic training program in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. During the tea meeting, she listened to updates on the association and encouraged their future activities, according to Presidential Office spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong.
The Korean Women's Association in Japan is an organization for Korean women residing in Japan, established in 1949 under the Korean Residents Union in Japan. The association has a central headquarters and 44 regional branches, with approximately 100,000 members actively participating.
Welcoming the association, First Lady Kim stated, "We have never forgotten the steadfast support you have provided whenever our homeland faced difficulties," and added, "As a fellow citizen, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication and affection."
Yoo Dae-young, President of the Central Headquarters of the association, expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s invitation and responded, "Thanks to President Lee Jaemyung resuming shuttle diplomacy and fostering a stable Korea-Japan relationship, the Korean community in Japan, including our association, has regained peace and is now able to engage in lively activities."
First Lady Kim attentively listened to the various activities being carried out by the association, such as Korea-Japan exchange programs and support for the next generation of Korean residents in Japan.
Byun Hyesung, President of the Tokyo Regional Headquarters, introduced, "We are continuing a variety of activities, such as charity exchange events for underprivileged children in both Korea and Japan and art exhibitions for cultural exchange, to help preserve our identity and pride as Koreans."
Kim Kwangja, President of the Hokkaido Regional Headquarters, explained, "We showcase Korean cuisine at large-scale events such as international ice skating competitions and generate funds for our association by selling K-food items like kimchi."
In response, First Lady Kim mentioned her personal interest in cooking and her ongoing efforts to promote K-food, expressing her hope that the association would join her in these endeavors. She also shared that she had appeared on the variety show "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator" to promote K-food, to which the attendees responded with applause, saying they had enjoyed watching the show.
Meanwhile, Ji Eunmi, President of the Fukui Regional Headquarters, was moved to tears as she said, "Although I am not familiar with politics, I am deeply grateful to see the President and First Lady closely attending to the lives of the people more than ever before."
First Lady Kim remarked, "Seeing all of you actively working between Korea and Japan as fellow women has deeply inspired me and filled me with great pride," and she asked everyone to continue to unite their hearts for the harmony of the Korean community.
On this day, all attendees, including First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, wore hanbok. First Lady Kim commented, "Meeting all of you, who cherish and love our homeland, while wearing hanbok together is especially meaningful," and after taking a commemorative photo, she concluded the event.
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