First lady Kim Keon Hee (center) on March 15 poses for photos with the directors of Korean Cultural Centers abroad and cultural promotion officials after hosting a luncheon for them at the official presidential residence in the Hannam-dong neighborhood of Seoul's Yongsan-gu District. She is holding a placard with a drawing of webtoon characters dubbed "sales representatives of Korean culture." (Office of the President)
By Park Hye Ri
First lady Kim Keon Hee has given words of encouragement to the directors of Korean Cultural Centers abroad and cultural promotion officials, who are on the front line of promoting Korean culture to the world, presidential spokesperson Lee Do Woon said in a news release on March 15.
Hosting a luncheon with the officials earlier that day at the official presidential residence, the first lady said, "When I see many people abroad warmly welcome our country and show strong interest in Korean dramas, food and music, I feel that our nation's status has risen."
She thanked them by saying, "Based on diversity, creativity and originality, our culture has risen to the world's top ranks," adding, "This is all thanks to all of you for playing a bridging role among countries while spreading Korean culture."
After hearing from the officials their experiences in promoting diverse forms of Korean culture such as fine arts, webtoons and musicals, the first lady said, "I believe that all of you who promote our culture to every corner of the world are the Republic of Korea's 'cultural sales representatives.'"
"As a country that longed for advanced culture, our culture now receives admiration and attention, and your roles in this regard have been extremely important," she added. "Please continue to illuminate the Republic of Korea with pride and responsibility."
The first lady took photos with the officials while holding a placard featuring a drawing of webtoon characters dubbed "sales representatives of Korean culture" to express her willingness to work with them to spread the appeal of the country's culture.
hrhr@korea.kr