Kim Hye-kyung Hosts Tea Meeting with Japanese Residents' Women's Association

Kim Hye-kyung expressed her gratitude during a tea meeting with the Japanese Residents' Women's Association on November 10, stating, "Today, South Korea is filled with the love and dedication of those who have built their lives in a foreign land while holding onto their love for their homeland. I will remember this gratitude for a long time."

Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong announced in a written briefing that Kim invited over 60 members of the Women's Association to the Blue House for the gathering.

The tea meeting took place in the Chungmu Hall of the Blue House, where both Kim and the attendees wore traditional hanbok.

In her welcoming remarks, Kim noted, "Thanks to your beautifully dressed hanbok, today’s gathering has become even more vibrant. It seems that the joy of returning to our homeland is embodied in the beautiful colors of your hanbok."

She added, "For Korean residents in Japan, hanbok holds a significance beyond just being worn on special occasions. It likely serves as a comforting reminder of their longing for their homeland and silently teaches their children and grandchildren about our roots, culture, and traditions."

Son Mi-ja, president of the Women's Association, responded, "I sincerely thank you for your deep consideration in warmly welcoming us to the Blue House again this year, just as you did last year." She continued, "I was able to deeply engrave the pride of being a South Korean citizen as I witnessed the rapidly developing status of our homeland with my own eyes."

During the tea meeting, Kim Jeong-ja, a senior advisor of the association, reminisced about the '10 yen a day fundraising campaign' to support the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Imi Kyung, president of the Kanagawa Prefectural branch, introduced a kimjang sharing activity with Japanese neighbors. Lee Young-mi, a third-generation Korean resident in Japan and vice president of the Tokyo branch, pledged, "I will pass on the most precious gift left by my grandfather, our language and ethnic roots, to the next generation."

The meeting concluded with all attendees singing 'Spring in My Hometown' at the suggestion of Kim Choo-gang, the association's vice president. During the song, Kim and some attendees were reported to have teared up, according to Deputy Spokesperson Ahn.

Kim remarked, "With each verse of 'Spring in My Hometown,' it felt as if the years you have walked through flashed by like a movie. I hope this gathering becomes a precious bridge connecting Korea and Japan, and I will strive to ensure that Korean residents in Japan can live with pride."