"BTS Jin Was Sad He Couldn't Come": Paek Jongwon Dines With Korean Food-Loving Brazilian First Lady

Rosangela da Silva Holds Exclusive Dinner with CEO Baek Jongwon

It has been reported that Rosangela da Silva, who is in Korea on a state visit with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, had an exclusive dinner with Paek Jongwon, CEO of The Born Korea.

The dinner is said to have been arranged at the request of Mrs. Da Silva, who has long shown great interest in the Korean Wave and Korean cuisine.

According to The Born Korea on the 24th, Mrs. Da Silva and CEO Paek dined together on the 21st at the restaurant Goonmong in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The restaurant is run by Chef David Lee, who appeared on the Netflix cooking competition program "Black & White Chef" under the nickname "Meat Gangster."

Rosangela da Silva, who visited Korea with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, dined with Paek Jongwon, CEO of The Born Korea, at a restaurant in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 21st. Paek presented a piece of merchandise signed by BTS member Jin as a gift. Instagram capture

Mrs. Da Silva posted a video of her meeting with CEO Paek on Instagram the previous day. Paek presented her with Aegin, a traditional liquor for which BTS member Jin serves as an ambassador, as a gift. The gift included Jin's handwritten autograph.

Tagging the accounts of Paek and Jin, Mrs. Da Silva wrote, "We are waiting for you in Brazil."

Paek said, "Jin really wanted to join us but was disappointed that he could not come," adding, "Jin asked me to sign this liquor that he personally made and give it to you as a gift."

He went on, "I was so happy and delighted to meet you today," and added, "I was especially deeply moved by the work you do for the underprivileged." He continued, "I will be sure to convey to Jin that many people in Brazil love Korea and especially support BTS member Jin," adding, "I love you and thank you."

Mrs. Hojanjella Da Siuba, who had dinner with Baek Jongwon, CEO of Deobon Korea. Instagram capture

Emphasizing "cultural diplomacy led by the private sector," Mrs. Da Silva extended an official invitation to Paek to visit Brazil this coming October. Paek is said to have accepted the invitation on the spot.

Meanwhile, President Lee and President Lula held a summit at the Blue House the previous day and agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation in the field of critical minerals. The two countries also agreed to upgrade their relations to a "strategic partnership" for the first time in 67 years since establishing diplomatic ties, and formed a consensus on the need for a trade agreement between Korea and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).