First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Dons Ao Dai for Diplomatic Engagement in Vietnam

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung has embraced the role of cultural ambassador during President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Vietnam, showcasing a warm and engaging approach to diplomacy. Her visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology alongside Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, highlighted a shared appreciation for cultural heritage.

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Korea has similar things.

During the visit, Kim expressed admiration for Vietnam's rich traditions, noting similarities with Korean customs. Her interaction with exhibits on traditional weaving and bedding demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding Vietnamese life. Notably, she took the opportunity to introduce Korean traditional items in the Korea Hall, a space created to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

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The Korean room is a very popular space not only for the Vietnamese people but also for foreign tourists.

A particularly symbolic moment was Kim's appearance in a pink ao dai, a gift from Mrs. Ly. This gesture of sartorial diplomacy was met with compliments, with Mrs. Ly remarking on Kim's resemblance to a "Vietnamese girl." Kim reciprocated the warmth, praising Mrs. Ly's elegance when she wore a hanbok during a previous visit to Korea. President Lee also acknowledged the gift on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the "unique beauty" of the ao dai.

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The ao dai has a unique Vietnamese beauty.

The cultural exchange extended to a traditional water puppet show, where Korean traditional music and attire were featured alongside Vietnamese elements. This shared experience, as noted by Cheong Wa Dae Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong, served to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries, leaving both ladies looking forward to future encounters.

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Thank you very much for the precious gift.