Meeting with Korean Women in South Africa
Attendees Express Concern for President Lee's Health; Kim Responds
"Saves Sleep and Reviews Documents Even on the Plane"
Kim Hye-kyung, who is visiting South Africa with President Lee Jaemyung on the occasion of the G20 Summit, held a luncheon meeting on the 22nd (local time) at the Korean restaurant "Banchan" in Johannesburg with Korean women who have been active in social contribution and cultural exchange, according to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo.
This meeting was organized to recognize and encourage the dedication of Korean women who have long served in various fields in South Africa, including community care, social welfare, education, culture and the arts, the promotion of Korean cuisine and K-food, and support for the safety of Korean residents, as well as to share their experiences. The luncheon featured a course meal that harmoniously combined Korean dishes such as pumpkin porridge, five-color pancakes, soft tofu soup, and braised fish with elements of South African home-style cuisine.
During the meeting, participants who have been active in social welfare, education, culture and the arts, Korean cuisine, and the safety of Korean residents shared their reasons for starting their activities in South Africa, the challenges they have faced on the ground, and their reflections on spreading Korean culture and integrating the Korean community, exchanging their experiences with one another.
The head of a local company distributing Korean food ingredients said, "Instant noodles such as Buldak Bokkeum Myeon and frozen foods like dumplings are extremely popular, but there is also a growing preference for cooking Korean dishes such as Kimchi Stew and Pork Backbone Potato Stew." The representative also pointed out, "There is a lack of clear standards regarding the import of food ingredients, so whether or not they are approved can vary depending on the official in charge," and requested institutional support for the stable distribution of Korean food products.
In response, Kim Hye-kyung said, "The explosive popularity of Korean food began with instant foods, but it is now important to promote the broader spectrum of authentic Korean food culture, such as Bulgogi and Soybean Paste Stew. I will continue to work to ensure that Korean food culture spreads properly around the world."
A teacher at the Sejong Institute, a Korean Cultural Center, who teaches Korean language, remarked, "When teaching Korean to foreign workers in Korea, it was a language for survival, but here in South Africa, many people learn Korean because they love Korea and enjoy its culture." The teacher added that they feel "the power of culture to permeate through emotions."
Kim Hye-kyung responded, "The power of culture that naturally seeps into everyday life through food, music, and cosmetics is immense. Your activities play a significant role in deeply rooting Korean culture in South African society." She especially thanked the participants, saying, "You serve as a strong bridge connecting the local community and Korea in this distant country," and emphasized, "Your activities are a valuable contribution that enhances the respect for the name 'Korean' in South African society."
One attendee said, "I feel genuine pride as a Korean resident because the President is achieving remarkable results in diplomacy. However, I hope he takes good care of his health." In response, Kim Hye-kyung explained, "I also always worry about his health and recommend that he take breaks while working, but the President says, 'A year ago, the people did not elect a president who would take it easy like the Kisses troupe on icy asphalt,' and even on the plane, he saves his sleep and meticulously reviews documents."
Finally, Kim Hye-kyung toured the photos of the participants' activities displayed on the walls of the luncheon venue and promised, "I will continue to pay close attention and provide support so that your activities can shine even brighter in the future."
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