President Lee Jae-myung paid meticulous attention to protocol throughout Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's visit on the 23rd. Around 300 personnel were deployed for the official welcoming ceremony alone, and chef Yoo Yong-wook from Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars 2" served barbecue at the state dinner. Various gifts reflecting the preferences of President Lula and his wife were also presented.
President Lee personally greeted President Lula at the welcoming ceremony, marking the first state visit to Cheong Wa Dae since its restoration as the presidential office. Upon President Lula's arrival, a traditional military band and honor guard escorted his vehicle. At the formal welcoming ceremony, approximately 280 attendees and a 25-member children's welcome group greeted the Brazilian leader.
The state dinner menu symbolized cultural harmony between the two nations. A cocktail made with cachaça, Brazil's national spirit, was served as the toast drink. Chef Yoo personally served barbecue inspired by Brazilian beef skewers, delivering an impromptu performance. Appetizers featuring Brazilian mango and seasonal East Sea snow crab were presented, along with dessert combining Korea's traditional yuzu punch with Brazilian açaí berry jelly.
Performances accompanied the dinner. The Woongsan Band and pansori singer Yoo Taepyeongyang performed jazz, while a children's choir sang "Sagye (Four Seasons)," a traditional labor song. The dinner drew attention with the attendance of major conglomerate heads alongside Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, and Kim Hong-kuk, chairman of Harim Group. Given First Lady Janja da Silva's keen interest in K-food, expansion of Korean food exports to Brazil is anticipated. First Lady Janja, who arrived in Korea on the 21st, one day ahead of President Lula, reportedly invited Baek to Brazil during their private dinner that day.
Synergies between the two countries are expected if Harim, a comprehensive food company leading chicken product commercialization, invests in upgrading Brazil's chicken production systems. Currently, 80% of chicken imported to Korea comes from Brazil, and analysts suggest that combining Korean chicken processing technology could enable expansion into third-country markets. At the "Sangchunjae Chimaek Meeting" that followed, Korean draft beer available in Brazil was served alongside chicken made from Brazilian poultry.
Gifts prepared by President Lee for President Lula and his wife were displayed at Sangchunjae. Reflecting President Lula's passion for soccer, President Lee presented a Korean national team jersey and a traditional painting of magpies and tigers symbolizing longevity. A biography of labor martyr Jeon Tae-il was also gifted, acknowledging President Lula's background as a labor activist. First Lady Janja received a Samsung smartphone and beauty device engraved with her name.
Meanwhile, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung accompanied First Lady Janja to the Seoul Museum of Craft Art to view the "Keum Ki-sook Donation Special Exhibition." When First Lady Janja saw a beaded dress and remarked, "It makes me want to get married again," First Lady Kim made an "X" sign with her fingers and laughed, creating a warm atmosphere.