NEW DELHI/SEOUL: The upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi is about to receive a dose of South Korean charm and culture, thanks to the First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Kim Keon Hee, and her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol. This visit marks Kim’s maiden voyage to India, and she has a unique agenda that promises to leave a lasting impression. This gesture also holds significance as India and South Korea celebrate the ongoing year 2023 as the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Since taking office, President Yoon and Kim have been a power couple dedicated to various noble causes. Kim has been fervently supporting art activities for individuals with disabilities, championing climate action, and preserving South Korea’s rich cultural heritage. Moreover, she is an unwavering advocate for animal rights, and her love for furry friends is evident from the six dogs and five cats she and President Yoon have adopted, all of whom reside with them at the presidential residence in Seoul.
One of Kim’s distinctive practices during her overseas visits is to present gifts infused with South Korean culture and spirit. She also proudly showcases the excellence of Korean fashion by wearing clothes and carrying bags designed by Korean artisans. Her visit to India is expected to be no exception, as she may meet with Indian dignitaries – President Droupdi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi and present them with traditional Korean gifts crafted by local artists.
Kim’s cultural diplomacy is well-known, with notable instances of gifting a moon jar decorated with mother-of-pearl to President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden during their state visit to the United States. She also delighted Mrs. Kishida Yuko, the spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan, with traditional Korean confections during her visit to Japan.
Beyond diplomacy, Kim has a profound love for art, and she closely monitors South Korea’s burgeoning art scene. In the past, her company, Covana Contents, organized major exhibitions featuring renowned international artists, including Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Mark Rothko, Le Corbusier, Alberto Giacometti, and Fauvisme. These exhibitions broke records in Korea and significantly contributed to the growth of the local art scene.
Kim’s dedication to promoting art and culture has not waned even after stepping down from her role as CEO of Covana Contents in 2022. Her belief in the transformative power of art and culture remains steadfast. She notably curated the 2015 Mark Rothko exhibition in Seoul, which showcased 50 of his masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art in the United States. The exhibition was a massive success, winning multiple awards and introducing Korean audiences to global art on an unprecedented scale.
Furthermore, Kim recognizes the growing international attention on the Korean art market and artists. She envisions herself as a “K-culture salesperson,” actively promoting the diversity, originality, and creativity of Korean culture worldwide. With K-pop, dramas, films, fashion, food, and traditional culture all enjoying global acclaim, Kim is keen to harness this cultural potential.
Kim Keon-hee is a South Korean businesswoman who became the First Lady of South Korea on May 10, 2022, as the wife of the 13th president of South Korea Yoon Suk-yeol.
Height: 5 ft 6 in
Weight: 58 kg
Date of Birth: September 2, 1972 (51 years)
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Spouse: President Yoon Suk-yeol
Born Name: 김건희 (In English Kim Keon-hee)
Nick Name: Keon-hee
Sun Sign: Virgo
Born Place: Yangpyeong, South Korea
Education: Keon-hee studied at Myungil Girls’ High School before going on to graduate from Kyonggi University with a Bachelor of Arts. She attended Sookmyung Women’s University from where she completed her Master of Arts.
Kim’s role extends to being a cultural ambassador when hosting foreign dignitaries in South Korea. She introduces them to the beauty of Korean traditional architecture, serves them authentic Korean cuisine, and treats them to mesmerizing performances of Gugak (traditional Korean music). Her mission is to ensure that every visitor experiences and appreciates the allure of Korean culture firsthand.
As Kim Keon Hee prepares to make her mark at the G20 Summit in India, her dedication to promoting art, culture, and the essence of Korea shines as brightly as ever. Her visit promises to be a testament to the power of culture in building bridges and fostering international cooperation.
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