During President Yoon Suk-yeol’s state visit to the UK, a banquet was held and the importance of Korean Culture was mentioned
On November 21 at Buckingham Palace, a State Banquet was held to welcome South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol’s visit to the UK. Here, King Charles personally greeted President Yoon Suk-yeol in Korean.
It is known that in his speech during the banquet, King Charles praised the amazing ability of Korean popular culture to capture imagination.
In addition he mentioned BLACKPINK’s role as ambassadors for COP26 and applauded them for spreading the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars”, he also said.
At the end of the banquet, King Charles raised a toast in Korean, saying, “For prosperity.”
Meanwhile, British media outlet BBC emphasized that Prince Charles’s positive evaluation of Korean culture is a significant aspect of the state visit, describing it as a mix of “soft power” which combines a glamorous royal ceremony with real politics.
BBC also highlighted the importance of the UK’s respect for South Korea as an ally and trading partner, particularly amid increasing tensions in the region.
Charles III also stated, “If there’s Daniel Boyle in the UK, there’s Bong Joon-ho in Korea; if there’s James Bond, there’s Squid Game, and if there’s Let It Be by The Beatles, there’s Dynamite by BTS.” President Yoon responded, “During my school days, I was passionate about The Beatles, Queen, and Elton John,” and added, “Recently, Korea’s BTS and BLACKPINK are receiving great love from the British people.” He also raised a toast, borrowing a phrase from Shakespeare: “Britain, my friend, may you never grow old forever.”
The BBC reported, “Son Heung-min, the most famous ‘son’ in Korea, did not attend the dinner, but all four members of BLACKPINK attended, shining at the state banquet.” The broadcaster expressed that the king showcased K-pop at the state banquet.
Source: YTN, BBC
