South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung attended an official G7 dinner in Evian, France, on June 16, 2024 [1, 2].

The meeting underscores the diplomatic effort to strengthen personal ties between the South Korean leadership and the U.S. administration through high-level social engagement.

During the event, President Lee sat directly next to U.S. President Donald Trump [1]. A Blue House spokesperson said the two leaders used the occasion to promote friendship and discuss mutual interests in a close setting [1]. The dinner took place as part of the G7 summit, which involves seven member nations [1].

President Lee introduced his spouse during the gathering, saying, "This is my wife" [1]. President Trump responded to the introduction by shaking hands with First Lady Kim and expressing his pleasure to meet her [1]. Other global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse, were also in attendance at the gathering in Evian-les-Bains [1, 2].

The Blue House said the attendance of the presidential couples was intended to foster friendship and allow for the discussion of shared concerns [1]. The interaction between the two presidents and their spouses served as a primary focus of the evening's diplomatic activity [1].

“"This is my wife"”

The proximity of the seating arrangement and the personal introductions between the two presidential couples suggest a strategic emphasis on 'soft diplomacy.' By prioritizing rapport-building at a multilateral forum like the G7, South Korea aims to secure a more stable and predictable relationship with the US administration through personal chemistry between leaders.