Nara prefecture: First lady Kim Hea Kyung on Tuesday engaged with ethnic Koreans active in Japan's cultural sector, discussing avenues for enhancing cultural exchanges between South Korea and Japan, as reported by Cheong Wa Dae.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim, accompanying President Lee Jae Myung during his visit to Japan's Nara Prefecture, met with Korean descendants as part of her cultural diplomacy efforts. Vice presidential spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo provided a written briefing highlighting the event's significance.
The meeting included notable figures such as actress Park So-hee, known for her role in the Apple TV+ series Pachinko, novelist Ushio Fukazawa, and chef Koh Hyun-cheol, among others. Kim referred to them as "precious bridges" linking South Korea and Japan, expressing her hope for their recognition in both countries despite the challenges they may face. She assured them of her support for their future endeavors.
In a gesture of goodwill, the first lady shared traditional Korean sweets, called hangwa, which she had prepared herself. Together with the attendees, she created a "time capsule" to symbolize hopes for ongoing cultural exchanges between the two nations, as noted by Jeon.