King Charles showcased his knowledge of Korean pop culture during a Buckingham Palace state banquet held in honor of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to the United Kingdom. In his speech, King Charles mentioned popular K-pop groups Blackpink and BTS and praised South Korean culture’s ability to captivate imaginations.
Although he admitted to not having much knowledge of “what might be called Gangnam Style”, he still showed appreciation for the country’s music scene. Meanwhile, President Yoon had previously demonstrated his own musical prowess during a visit to US President Joe Biden, where he sang Don McLean’s “American Pie”.
In addition to the cultural exchange, state visits like these are essential in bolstering diplomatic and economic ties between countries. The South Korean delegation was given a red-carpet welcome and greeted by a full lineup of UK dignitaries, including the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The banquet menu, written in French, featured a variety of opulent dishes and wines, including a 1989 Château Mouton-Rothschild and Camel Valley from Cornwall. Precise table settings, featuring six different wine glasses and silver-gilt cutlery, added to the grandeur of the occasion.
Aside from the pomp and circumstance, the visit also had a practical purpose. A “Downing Street Accord” is expected to be signed during the visit, focusing on boosting trade relations and supporting global stability. High technology and green energy were among the areas of business cooperation discussed, alongside plans for stronger enforcement of sanctions against North Korea
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