In a momentous encounter between UK royalty and K-pop royalty, King Charles III extended a warm welcome to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during the initial day of his three-day state visit to the United Kingdom. The grand state banquet, held at Buckingham Palace, saw the convergence of political dignitaries, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, and UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
In a noteworthy part of his speech, King Charles expressed his deep admiration for South Korean culture and took a moment to praise K-pop sensations Blackpink and BTS. The monarch specifically lauded Blackpink’s members – Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose – for their impactful role in advocating environmental sustainability on a global scale.
“I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose, better known collectively as Blackpink, for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience. I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars,” remarked King Charles during the state banquet.
In a light-hearted reference to South Korean superstar Psy, whose hit song “Gangnam Style” became a global phenomenon, King Charles humorously reminisced about his time in Seoul, stating, “Sadly, when I was in Seoul all those years ago, I am not sure I developed much of what might be called the Gangnam Style!”
The banquet, a symbol of diplomatic and cultural exchange, showcased the intersection of traditional state affairs with the contemporary global phenomenon of K-pop. The event also emphasized the importance of cultural ties in fostering international relations.
The South Korean President reciprocated the cultural exchange sentiment by highlighting his admiration for British musicians, including iconic names such as the Beatles, Queen, and Elton John, whom he enjoyed during his youth.
As President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit unfolds, discussions with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are anticipated to delve into key areas such as trade, technology, and defense. The visit holds strategic significance for the UK amid the geopolitical landscape, particularly in navigating relationships with countries like South Korea in the face of China’s rising influence and its support for North Korea, a major rival of South Korea.
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Source: Hindustan Times
