Mrs. Kim Meets Korean Women Activists in China: "Will Continue to Support and Encourage"

Luncheon and Discussion at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse
Korean Women Active in Education, Culture, and Other Fields Invited
Some Participants Moved to Tears by President Lee's Efforts to Improve Korea-China Relations

Kim Hye-kyung, who is accompanying President Lee Jaemyung on a state visit to China, hosted a luncheon and discussion on January 6 (local time) at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, inviting Korean women who have been active in China for many years, according to An Gwi-ryeong, Deputy Spokesperson of the Presidential Office.

Yonhap News Agency

This gathering was organized as an opportunity to listen to the experiences and stories of Korean women who have been active in various fields such as education, culture and the arts, social welfare, and support for overseas Koreans while living across different regions of China.

Kim expressed her gratitude, saying, "I deeply appreciate the dedication of Korean women who have quietly played a role in promoting our country abroad and advancing the rights and interests of overseas Koreans."

Choi Soon-young, Vice President of the Beijing Korean Association, commented on the state visit, saying, "The Korean community is united in their enthusiastic welcome," and added, "It has become a major topic on Chinese social media (SNS) as well." Woo Young-sun, Director of the Korean Food Research Institute and a Korean cuisine instructor at the Korean Cultural Center in China, said, "I saw the scene yesterday where Mrs. Kim invited Chinese women who have served as bridges between Korea and China and treated them to rice cake dumpling soup. I felt that this could be the starting point for becoming 'family' with China." Kim Tae-eun, CEO of Beijing Yantai Entertainment Culture Co., Ltd., who is producing Korea-China joint dramas and other works, said, "I heard that Mrs. Kim and Peng Liyuan agreed on the need to vitalize Korea-China cultural exchanges. As someone working in the field, I have high expectations."

The participants took turns sharing the difficulties they faced while working abroad, the sense of fulfillment they felt even in challenging environments, and the meaningful achievements they were able to accomplish. Lee Dong-im, Director of 798CUBE, a leading contemporary art institution in China, said, "The exhibitions of Korean artists that I personally planned and hosted are still being talked about," and introduced herself as someone who is working in China with a sense of pride.

Kwon Tae-kyung, a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music who came to China over 20 years ago to promote Korean traditional music, said, "I think the reason we can have such a meaningful occasion today is because we have persevered until now," adding, "During the presidential campaign, when I saw then-candidate Lee Jaemyung meeting with young traditional musicians, I was so moved that I couldn't sleep for days." He also said, "I hope the treatment of traditional musicians, who strive not for their livelihood but to preserve our culture, will improve."

Park Myung-sun, President of the Inner Mongolia Korean Association, was moved to tears, saying, "As intergovernmental relations have a significant impact on children from multicultural families, the efforts of President Lee and Mrs. Kim to improve Korea-China relations feel especially meaningful." Kim Young-ran, Advisor to the Beijing Danuri Center, who has worked to support multicultural families in China, also deeply empathized and appealed for continued attention and support.

Yonhap News Agency

Kim Hye-kyung expressed her gratitude again, saying, "Thanks to your perseverance through tears, we have reached a turning point where Korea-China relations can advance once more," and offered warm encouragement. She went on to promise, "I will continue to listen to your voices and will keep supporting and encouraging the women who are contributing to the national interest and the development of Korea-China relations, even under difficult circumstances."