Accompanying President Lee Jae-myung on his European tour, Kim attended a "Conversation with Next Generation K-Classical Musicians" event at the Korean Embassy in Brussels, where she met with young artists and their supporters, listened to performances, and engaged in discussions.
According to a written briefing from Ahn Gyu-ryeong, deputy spokesperson for the Blue House, Belgium hosts the Queen Elisabeth Competition, one of the world's top three classical music competitions, annually.
After watching a performance by cellist Kim Tae-yeon, the competition's runner-up, Kim expressed her emotions, saying, "It was really hard to hold back tears. As a musician who majored in piano and as a citizen of South Korea, I feel a sense of pride and fulfillment."
She added, "It seems that a fandom is forming around young classical musicians these days, and I find that very encouraging. Whenever I travel abroad, people ask, 'Where does your strength come from?' Meeting all of you here, I feel it comes from you."
Kim also expressed gratitude to the host families who support students studying abroad, saying, "I felt the human connection and friendship among those who love music, welcoming musicians of various nationalities with open arms."
Listening to the challenges faced by students studying abroad, she encouraged them, saying, "I can imagine how lonely it must be. I studied abroad a little myself, and I know it’s a battle with oneself. Studying in a foreign country can be very tough."
Kim concluded, "The connections formed through music will become a valuable asset that links our two countries, and I hope that cultural and artistic exchanges and friendships will deepen in the future."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.