During a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace, King Charles added an unexpected touch of modernity by referencing Korean popular culture, specifically acknowledging K-pop stars Blackpink and BTS, as he welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on the initial day of his state visit.
The King’s banquet speech lauded South Korean culture for its “remarkable ability to captivate imaginations,” despite his admission that he hadn’t delved much into “what might be called Gangnam Style.”
In contrast to President Yoon’s previous karaoke-style performance with US President Joe Biden, the King shared memories of his youth, stating that he and his friends were enthusiasts of iconic musical acts such as the Beatles, Queen, and Elton John, with the assumption that this referred to the pop groups rather than the monarchy.
State visits serve as a blend of “soft power,” combining ceremonial grandeur with practical political discussions. The red-carpet welcome extended to South Korea underscores the nation’s significance as an ally and trade partner, especially in a region marked by escalating tensions with China. The state banquet at Buckingham Palace featured a full assembly, with the South Korean guests greeted by the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Notable South Korean figure Son Heung-min, the Spurs footballer, was absent, but K-pop sensation Blackpink graced the occasion. Among the distinguished guests were Lord Cameron, returning as foreign secretary, positioned near Princess Anne, and political leaders such as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Lib Dem leader Ed Davey.
The opulent event unfolded with a meticulously arranged table setting featuring a 19th-century dinner service of over 4,000 pieces. The menu, written in French, showcased culinary delights such as poached eggs, pheasant, and a mango ice cream bombe, complemented by fine wines, including a 1989 Château Mouton-Rothschild and Camel Valley from Cornwall.
While the ceremony emphasized precision and symmetry, the King’s commitment to recycling was evident in the consistent use of cardboard nameplates. The day began with a ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade, followed by a carriage procession along the Mall, marked by more than 1,000 soldiers on parade and gun salutes in Green Park.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, state visits serve crucial diplomatic and economic purposes. In his banquet speech, King Charles underscored South Korea’s strategic role as a “bastion of democracy, human rights, and freedom.” A Downing Street Accord, to be signed during the visit, aims to enhance trade and support “global stability,” with a focus on high technology and green energy cooperation.
Trade deals and negotiations are inextricably linked to such visits, with plans for joint sea patrols between the South Korean navy and the Royal Navy to enforce sanctions against North Korea and counter its “illegal weapons program.” Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of global partnerships, noting that close ties have already driven £21 billion of investment between the two countries. The state banquet, an integral part of the state visit, included distinguished guests such as the Prince and Princess of Wales and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Source – BBC
