On November 21, King Charles III hosted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife to Buckingham Palace for a South Korea-UK state banquet.
Earlier in the day, Charles and Camilla welcomed Yoon at Horse Guards Parade, joined by Prince William and government ministers. The leaders inspected soldiers from the Scots Guards before the visiting couple travelled by horse-drawn coach to Buckingham Palace.
The South Korean President is on a three day visit to the UK with the UK government's aim to solidify an "Indo-Pacific tilt" in its foreign and trade policy. The visit focuses on enhancing trade and defence ties between the UK and South Korea.
Photo: Reuters
Yoon is set to hold talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, focusing on trade, technology, and defence. The defense agreement includes naval collaboration to combat smuggling and enforce UN sanctions on North Korea.
Official talks will launch an "upgraded" free trade agreement to replace the existing deal between the UK and South Korea. The UK, having left the EU in 2020, has finalized trade deals only with Australia and New Zealand and joined the CPTPP trade bloc.
Sunak and Yoon will sign agreements on defense and technology cooperation, emphasizing artificial intelligence. Britain plans to invest in South Korean semiconductor manufacturing to diversify the supply of computer components.
Sunak believes the agreements from Yoon's visit will drive investment, boost trade, and foster a lasting friendship that supports global stability and protects mutual interests.
Blackpink as esteemed guests at the State banquet
During a glittering banquet at Buckingham Palace, King Charles celebrated South Korea's political and economic progress, with honouring BLACKPINK among over 170 guests.
Members of kpop group, BLACKPINK, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé, were esteemed guests at the state banquet in UK Birmingham Palace, receiving both a royal welcome and praise from host King Charles III for their contributions to environmental sustainability.
At Buckingham Palace, King Charles III granted BLACKPINK honorary membership in the Order of the British Empire, recognizing the group's contributions at the 2021 Conference of the Parties on climate change. Rosé's MBE lacked the "honorary" label due to her dual citizenship. She has Australian citizenship too.
Photo: Reuters
King Charles also humorously referenced not developing much of "Gangnam Style" during his past visit to Seoul. He highlighted the growing influence of K-pop among the youth.
“I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rose, better known collectively as Blackpink, for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience,” Charles said in his banquet speech. “I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars." "Sadly, when I was in Seoul all those years ago, I am not sure I developed much of what might be called the Gangnam Style!” referring to the global hit song by Korean rapper Psy, Charles said.
The awards were presented in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace as part of Britain's honours system, acknowledging outstanding service to the nation. Non-U.K. citizens and those outside the 14 realms receive honorary versions of the awards.
For the event, Camilla wore Queen Elizabeth II's tiara and a red gown, while Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, chose a white gown paired with the Strathmore Rose tiara, belonging to Elizabeth's mother.
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