The New York-based Artnet News on June 26 posted its interview with first lady Kim Keon Hee. (Screen capture from Artnet News' website)

By Xu Aiying

First lady Kim Keon Hee has pledged to play the role of "K-Culture salesperson" to promote Korean culture worldwide.

The New York-based Artnet News on June 26 posted its interview with the first lady, her first with foreign media.

Calling her "the art-loving first lady of Korea," the story said, "Since President Yoon took office last year, Kim's focus has been on supporting art activities by people with disabilities, on climate action, and on the preservation of traditional Korean culture and heritage."

On her role to further develop Korean culture and art, she said, "I could sense how greatly the stature of Korean culture and art has risen when I traveled abroad or met with international dignitaries in this first year since the inauguration of President Yoon Suk Yeol."

"I think I could play the role as a 'K-culture salesperson' to publicize and promote it overseas."

"First of all, when foreign heads of state, their spouses and officials from international organizations visit Korea, I present Korean culture and experiences that allow them to feel the charm of our culture," she added. "For trips overseas, I prepare gifts imbued with our traditional culture and spirit or wear clothes and carry bags made by Korean designers to showcase the excellence of our fashion."

The first lady described her visit to the National Gallery of Art in Washington in April to see the exhibition of Mark Rothko, an American master of abstract art, with her U.S. counterpart Jill Biden during her husband's state visit. She also mentioned trips to the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington and Museum of Fine Arts Boston to discuss cooperation with Korean museums and art galleries.

"I believe that I'll be able to serve as a bridge between the two countries, promoting exchanges in culture and art or facilitating discussions that have stalled," she said. "I will do everything I can to facilitate exchanges between Korea and the United States in culture and art, and I believe that it is a role I can play."

"I believe that culture has no borders and that a country's international status and dignity are determined by its unique art and culture," she added. "Art and culture can also play a major role in unraveling complex political, economic and diplomatic issues that have become tangled between different countries."

xuaiy@korea.kr