Feb 23 • 06:37 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

The Gift that Captivated Lula: Biography of Jeon Tae-il and National Football Team Uniform

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol presents symbolic gifts to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his state visit, embodying both cultural respect and personal preferences.

During Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's official visit to South Korea, President Yoon Suk-yeol showcased the essence of detailed diplomacy by selecting gifts that resonated with Lula's personal and cultural background. The gifts included an English biography of Jeon Tae-il, a prominent Korean labor activist, and the South Korean national football team uniform, which reflect Lula's identity as a labor leader and a football fan. This thoughtful selection aimed to create a warm atmosphere for diplomatic talks while conveying cultural and economic messages between the two nations.

In addition to the selected gifts, cosmetics from Korea were presented, referencing Lula’s previous remarks about their quality, as well as a traditional Korean painting symbolizing health and longevity. Meanwhile, a customized Samsung smartphone, beauty devices, and a Hanbok cape designed for Lula's wife, Janja, were part of the gift package. The inclusion of traditional Korean decorations for their three dogs also emphasized respect and consideration for the couple's lifestyle, demonstrating South Korea's hospitality.

The state dinner further embodied the spirit of 'food diplomacy,' featuring a menu that symbolizes the unity between South Korea and Brazil. An appetizer of crab salad with Brazilian mango salsa was chosen to represent the harmony of ingredients from both nations, while a black bean porridge inspired by Brazil's feijoada served as a metaphor for the shared humble beginnings of both leaders. The main course was Korean-style galbi barbecue, intended to introduce Brazilian visitors to a beloved aspect of Korean cuisine, enhancing the bond between the two cultures.

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