Brazilian First Lady Rosangela da Silva invited Kim Hye-kyung, wife of President Lee Jae-myung, to visit Brazil's samba festival during her visit to South Korea.
Kim met with da Silva on the 21st at the National Folk Museum in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, for a cultural exchange. Dressed in a light jade-colored hanbok, Kim toured the exhibition "Brazilian Rio Carnival: The Soul of Africa, The Rhythm of Samba" with da Silva in the museum's first-floor lobby.
Da Silva explained Brazilian culture and history to Kim and invited her to attend the samba festival. At the interactive exhibition space, da Silva demonstrated "samba rhythm" by playing a festival drum herself. "Mrs. Kim clapped her hands and smiled brightly," said Jeon Eun-soo, deputy spokesperson for the presidential office, describing the atmosphere.
The two then moved to the storage facility, where they viewed traditional Korean items including tteoksal (rice cake molds), soban (small dining tables), and bandaji (traditional chests). When da Silva showed interest in accessories such as binyeo (hairpins) and norigae (ornamental pendants), Kim personally explained how to wear them.
During a tea reception following the museum tour, da Silva mentioned Brazil's parade and invited Kim again, saying she hoped Kim would visit. Kim responded positively, saying she would "try to arrange the schedule."
The conversation turned lighthearted when discussing Kim's background as a piano major in college. When da Silva asked if she still plays piano, Kim replied, "I haven't had the opportunity to play since joining my husband on his political journey." Kim also introduced K-drama to da Silva's delegation, who showed interest in Korean dramas, noting that "K-dramas, along with K-pop, play a significant role in emotionally connecting the world."
Da Silva arrived in South Korea ahead of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is scheduled for a state visit beginning on the 22nd for a three-day trip.