First Lady Kim Hea Kyung Engages Korean Diaspora in Canada on First Solo Diplomatic Outing

South Korea’s First Lady Kim Hea Kyung met with members of the Korean community in Calgary on Tuesday, marking her first independent diplomatic engagement since President Lee Jae Myung assumed office two weeks ago.

While President Lee attended the G7 summit, Kim visited a Korean community center in Alberta, where she interacted with overseas Koreans working in diverse sectors including education, culture, and technology. According to the presidential office, the visit was aimed at listening to the concerns and insights of Koreans abroad.

Attendees included leaders of local Korean associations, women’s organizations, and principals of Korean-language schools. Academics and students specializing in artificial intelligence also participated, contributing perspectives on AI development and global tech trends.

Later in the day, Kim toured the National accessArts Centre, Canada’s largest and longest-standing disability arts organization. There, she was briefed on the center’s operations and expressed interest in the Canadian government’s approach to disability inclusion and cultural cooperation.

The First Lady’s activities in Calgary also included joining President Lee at a formal dinner hosted by Canada’s Governor General on Monday evening. She wore a traditional hanbok in green and yellow for the occasion.

Earlier during their trip, Kim was present alongside President Lee during an in-flight press briefing aboard the presidential aircraft en route to Canada.

This visit underscores the administration’s intent to strengthen ties with Korean communities abroad and explore avenues for cultural and technological exchange.