King hails K-pop stars Blackpink at banquet in honour of South Korean president

The King and Queen rubbed shoulders with K-pop royalty as they staged a banquet in honour of South Korea’s visiting President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Charles praised the environmental credentials of lady group Blackpink and highlighted South Korea’s creativity and tradition, from Gangnam Fashion, celebrated in the worldwide hit by Korean rapper Psy, to the favored Netflix collection Squid Sport.

In his banquet speech, the King stated “Koreans have created a miracle” in their journey from “wartime devastation” to a thriving nation the place the “industrial effectivity” he witnessed throughout a go to in 1992 had change into the “epitome” of technological innovation.

He added: “Via their very own sweat and toil, and underneath the shadow of tyranny and the ever current menace of aggression, over seven many years Koreans have constructed a bastion of democracy, human rights and freedom.

“In a world the place these values are challenged, sadly, as hardly ever earlier than in our lifetimes, the Republic of Korea and the UK stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of all that we maintain pricey.”

Amongst greater than 170 visitors have been main figures from British and Korean life, from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and spouse Akshata Murty to Blackpink, and members of the royal household just like the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal.

Earlier Kate wore a hanging crimson cape and coat by Catherine Walker, and an identical hat by Jane Taylor, when the King and Queen hosted a ceremonial welcome for the president and his spouse Kim Keon Hee in London’s Whitehall at the beginning of their three-day state go to.

At a non-public lunch hosted by the King, there was an obvious ruffling of feathers among the many South Koreans when information broke of a North Korean rocket launch as Pyongyang made one other try to put a army spy satellite tv for pc into orbit.

Listening to the King’s banquet tackle have been singers Jennie Kim, Jisoo Kim, Lisa Manobal and Rose Park from Blackpink, South Korea’s greatest lady group who turned the primary Korean band to headline a significant UK pageant throughout the summer time.

Charles additionally paid tribute to the Koreans’ curiosity in defending the setting and singled out the K-pop group for reward.

Sadly, once I was in Seoul all these years in the past, I’m not positive I developed a lot of what is likely to be known as the Gangnam Fashion!

The King

He advised the visitors: “I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rose, higher recognized collectively as Blackpink, for his or her function in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a worldwide viewers as ambassadors for the UK’s presidency of Cop26, and later as advocates for the UN sustainable growth objectives.

“I can solely admire how they’ll prioritise these very important points, in addition to being international superstars. Sadly, once I was in Seoul all these years in the past, I’m not positive I developed a lot of what is likely to be known as the Gangnam Fashion!”

In the course of the white-tie banquet the visitors dined on a menu of heat tartlet of smooth poached egg and spinach puree, breast of Windsor pheasant with croquette of celeriac and calvados sauce and salad, with a mango ice cream bombe for dessert.

Kate and Camilla stepped out in glittering royal tiaras that they had by no means been seen in earlier than.

The princess selected the Queen Mom’s delicate Strathmore Rose tiara, whereas the Queen opted for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s ruby and diamond Burmese tiara.

In his speech Mr Yoon echoed the sentiment of the King, praising the shut ties between the UK and South Korea, saying: “Once I was younger, my pals and I have been all followers of The Beatles, Queen, and Elton John. Harry Potter books are adored by many Koreans.

“Most significantly, the UK is the architect of fashionable liberal democracy. Most democracies are deeply influenced by British parliamentary democracy. Korea is not any exception.

“On the premise of our shared common values of freedom, human rights and the rule of legislation, the Republic of Korea will proceed to steadfastly stand along with the UK as we work collectively for freedom, peace and prosperity around the globe.”

Alongside the pomp and pageantry, the UK and South Korea are to launch talks on a brand new commerce deal and signal a diplomatic accord as half of Mr Yoon’s three-day state go to.

Enterprise and Commerce Secretary Kemi Badenoch will start negotiations together with her Korean counterpart Bang Moon Kyu at the UK-Korea Enterprise Discussion board at Mansion Home on Wednesday.

They may also announce £21 billion of investments dedicated by Korean companies in inexperienced power and infrastructure tasks throughout the UK.