First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Engages with Korean Diaspora in Canada Amid G7 Summit Visit

Introduction to the Visit

In June 2025, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung accompanied President Lee Jae-myung to Canada for the G7 summit. During this diplomatic trip, she took a significant solo step by engaging directly with the Korean diaspora in western Canada, specifically at the Korean Community Center in Calgary. This marked her first official solo diplomatic event since President Lee took office, highlighting her role in 'First Lady diplomacy' alongside the president's international engagements.

Heartfelt Dialogue with the Korean Community

On June 17, 2025, Kim Hye-kyung addressed about 30 Korean expatriates gathered at the Calgary Korean Community Center. She acknowledged the hardships faced by overseas Koreans, especially the emotional toll caused by concerns for their homeland. She expressed admiration for how well-informed and engaged the diaspora is with Korean affairs through social media platforms like SNS and YouTube, often surpassing those living in Korea in awareness and judgment. Kim emphasized the deep longing and care the diaspora holds for Korea, often more intense than those residing in the country itself. She encouraged open and sincere conversations about hopes and expectations for the new administration, fostering a sense of connection and mutual support.

Community Leaders' Reflections

Choi Jin-young, chairman of the Calgary Korean Association, described the Korean Community Center as a cherished space imbued with the wisdom, sweat, and tears of immigrant predecessors. He highlighted the center as a symbol of community spirit and hope, built through mutual support in a foreign land with unfamiliar language and culture. Choi expressed that the First Lady's presence was a great comfort and encouragement to the immigrant community, strengthening their ties to Korea and inspiring future solidarity.

Warm Reception and Cultural Diplomacy

Before the event, about 30 Korean residents welcomed Kim Hye-kyung with Taegeukgi flags and banners bearing welcoming messages. The First Lady responded warmly, signing autographs and taking photos with attendees. The day before, the presidential couple arrived in Calgary via Air Force One and attended a reception hosted by Alberta's Premier. Kim attracted attention by wearing a traditional Korean hanbok, consisting of a light yellow skirt and green jeogori, which was well received and sparked many photo requests. This choice of attire symbolized cultural pride and served as a soft diplomatic gesture during the G7 summit events.

Engagement Beyond the Korean Community

Following the community meeting, Kim Hye-kyung visited the National Access Arts Centre in Calgary, Canada's largest and oldest disability arts organization, run by a Korean-Canadian director. She expressed admiration for Canada's inclusive infrastructure and policies supporting people with disabilities. The First Lady conveyed hopes for enhanced cultural and artistic exchanges between South Korea and Canada, particularly in the disability arts sector, reflecting the new South Korean government's commitment to disability culture and arts.

Significance and Broader Context

This visit by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung represents a meaningful extension of South Korea's diplomatic outreach through spousal diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of the Korean diaspora's role in global Korean identity and international relations. It also reflects the new administration's focus on pragmatic diplomacy and cultural connection, as President Lee Jae-myung makes his debut on the global stage at the G7 summit. The warm reception and active engagement with the diaspora underscore the mutual respect and emotional ties that transcend geographic distance, reinforcing the community's pride and hope for Korea's future under the new leadership.