Singapore: A new orchid hybrid in Singapore was named after President Lee Jae Myung and his wife, Kim Hea Kyung, to honor Lee's state visit to the Southeast Asian country, Cheong Wa Dae announced. The orchid, named "Vanda Lee Jae Myung Kim Hea Kyung," was unveiled during a ceremony hosted by Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee expressed his gratitude during the ceremony, stating he was honored to have the orchid named after him. The naming of orchids after visiting heads of state is a diplomatic tradition aimed at promoting friendly relations with foreign nations.
An official from the Singapore Botanic Gardens noted that the hybrid orchid features patterns reminiscent of the Korean national flag. This plant symbolizes the ongoing development of relations between South Korea and Singapore and can serve as a foundation for developing further hybrids.
The orchid-naming ceremony took place ahead of Lee's summit talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During his visit, President Lee presented gifts to Singaporean leaders, including a porcelain plate, men's cosmetics set, and traditional Korean brassware and silk items, highlighting the cultural exchange between the two countries.