First lady Kim Keon Hee on June 22 takes a photo at Bike Run, a charity event at SOS Children's Village in Hanoi, Vietnam. (Office of the President)

By Cao Thi Ha

First lady Kim Keon Hee, accompanying President Yoon Suk Yeol on his state visit to Vietnam, on June 22 attended this year's Bike Run, a charity event at SOS Children's Village in Hanoi.

Donating bicycles to Vietnamese children whose homes are far from their schools, the program has given around 1,000 bikes since 2015.

The village is an international private social welfare organization that cares for underprivileged children like orphans and supports a nurturing environment for them.

Presidential spokesperson Lee Do Woon in a news release quoted the first lady as saying, "These bicycles are expected to provide students with enjoyable memories, develop strong stamina and serve as companions for achieving their dreams for the future."

"What is important is to take on challenges and have the courage to bounce back in case of failure," she added. "I hope that you fulfill your dreams and make the world beautiful beyond Vietnam."

The first lady also thanked the village and Korea's Shinhan Bank for their social contribution activities, saying, "You've given children the gift of dreams through bicycles."

"On the occasion of this state visit to Vietnam and the donation of bicycles to SOS Children's Village, I hope that the friendship between Korea and Vietnam deepens further."

Watching the children riding the bicycles, she added, "I hope they grow up bright and healthy to be adults with a positive influence."

shinn11@korea.kr