Various artists from SM Entertainment are accompanying President Moon Jae-in with his “soft diplomatic” activities. Besides the recent cultural exchange event in North Korea, these artists are accompanying the president in summit diplomatic events as well.
On April 1, Kim Jong-un made a surprise appearance at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater, where Red Velvet performed with other South Korean artists. Kim Jong-un had apparently said, “many wondered whether I would come or not to see Red Velvet perform.” Afterwards, Red Velvet member Irene stood next to Kim Jong-un to take a picture, and Yeri mentioned how nervous she was to shake hands with Kim Jong-un in an interview.
Red Velvet is an idol group under SM Entertainment. Seo-hyun, who was a host for the events in Pyongyang, also stayed in SM Entertainment for over 10 years. Furthermore, another SM idol group EXO performed at the closing ceremony of Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and EXO member Baekhyun sang the national anthem at the IOC General Assembly Opening Ceremony.
SM Entertainment artists supported President Moon in his summit diplomatic activities as well. In December last year, President Moon Jae-in attended the Korea-China Trade Partnership event in China. Next to the president were EXO-CBX members, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. The members accompanied the president throughout all events in China, from the opening ceremony to state banquet.
Moreover, to congratulate President Joko Widodo’s first daughter’s marriage, President Moon Jae-in brought with him a video message from Shinee member Minho and signatures from EXO members to Indonesia. Also, Shinee member Minho kept First Lady Melania Trump accompanied during President Trump’s visit to Korea last year.
There is no special connection between President Moon’s office and SM Entertainment.
However, President Moon Jae-in did have a meeting with associates from SM Entertainment while running his presidential campaign in May last year. The president got to meet the management team from SM Entertainment at a Korean Cultural Exchange Conference at SM Town. When requested by the entertainment to attend EXO’s concert, president Moon Jae-in said, “I can’t make you a promise. But I promise to be the president that knows how to enjoy a cultural life.
Original Article
Translated by Dasol Kim
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