First Lady Kim Hea Kyung engages with Korean expatriates in Canada
Laying the Foundation:South Korea's First Lady, Kim Hea Kyung, has stepped into the public and diplomatic limelight, playing an increasingly significant role since President Lee Jae Myung took office. Once a low-key figure during his earlier political campaigns, she has now emerged as a key player[2][5].
During her recent journey to Canada in June 2025, Kim Hea Kyung embarked on her first solo diplomatic missions since President Lee's inauguration. She met with the Korean diaspora community in western Canada, conversing with students, researchers, and representatives from Korean associations, women’s groups, and schools in Calgary, Alberta[1][4]. This interaction offered her valuable insights on topics such as education, culture, and artificial intelligence from local Koreans and international scholars.
Kim Hea Kyung also visited the National accessArts Centre in Calgary, Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization, reflecting her interest in Canadian government policies supporting individuals with disabilities. She expressed her commitment to promoting cultural and artistic exchanges between South Korea and Canada[4].
In addition to these engagements, Kim Hea Kyung accompanied President Lee to a dinner reception hosted by the Canadian governor general, where she donned a traditional Korean hanbok, underscoring cultural diplomacy. She also stood by his side during an impromptu press conference aboard the presidential jet, en route to Canada[4][1][3].
In essence, Kim Hea Kyung's involvement during this visit underscores her efforts in building connections with overseas Koreans, promoting cultural ties, supporting social causes like disability arts, and representing South Korea in international diplomatic scenarios[2][4][5]. This newfound public and proactive phase of her tenure as First Lady represents a stark contrast to her previously low-key political support.
- Kim Hea Kyung's conversation with students and scholars highlighted her interest in discussing the intersection of education, culture, artificial intelligence, and general-news topics with the Korean diaspora and international community.
- During her visit to the National accessArts Centre, Kim Hea Kyung demonstrated her commitment to advocating for cultural and arts exchanges as well as supporting policy initiatives that benefit individuals with disabilities, both within South Korea and internationally.
- The diplomatic dinner reception hosted by the Canadian governor general provided an opportunity for Kim Hea Kyung to exemplify cultural diplomacy by wearing a traditional Korean hanbok, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural traditions and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
- Kim Hea Kyung's presence at an impromptu press conference aboard the presidential jet, alongside the President, showcased her ability to represent South Korea effectively in international diplomatic engagements.
- As Kim Hea Kyung reaches out to the Korean diaspora and focuses on cultural, artistic, and social causes, her role in South Korean politics has evolved, moving from being a low-key political supporter to a key player in education, culture, industry, diplomacy, politics, and international affairs.
