Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung makes her diplomatic debut as the First Lady at the G7 in a hanbok - transitioning from quiet support to cultural diplomacy.

Traditional 'Quiet Support' and the Shift of the Times

In the past, the role of the First Lady in Korea was often emphasized as being in the shadow of the president, quietly supporting from behind. As the spouse of the president, she primarily took care of the family and supported the nation's operations from the background. However, there were also attempts that broke away from this mold, such as Lee Hee-ho's cultural diplomacy towards North Korea and Kim Yoon-ok's efforts to globalize Korean cuisine. Nevertheless, the activities of the First Lady often faced political controversy due to a lack of institutional foundation. Kim Geon-hee's active foreign engagements, in particular, have sparked political repercussions and prompted debates regarding the legitimacy and role of the First Lady in diplomacy.

Expansion of the Role of the First Lady as Cultural Diplomacy

Western countries have utilized the role of the First Lady as a significant part of their diplomatic strategy for a long time. Jacqueline Kennedy showcased America's cultural sophistication to the world, while Eleanor Roosevelt elevated social agendas to the diplomatic stage. Hillary Clinton enhanced the status of the First Lady by focusing on women's and human rights issues. South Korea has also seen efforts like Kim Yoon-ok's promotion of Korean cuisine and Kim Geon-hee's exhibition diplomacy, but there have been limitations relying solely on personal capabilities without systematic support. For cultural diplomacy to become a part of national strategy, establishing roles and institutionalization is essential.

Kim Hye-kyung's G7 Debut: A Turning Point in Official Cultural Diplomacy

In June 2025, the appearance of Kim Hye-kyung in hanbok at the G7 Summit was an important moment that went beyond mere ceremonial duties, showcasing the potential of cultural diplomacy. The beautiful hanbok captured the attention of media worldwide and proved that Korean traditional culture can serve as an appealing diplomatic asset on the international stage. Notably, Kim's visit to the Korean Center in Canada during the G7 event, where she interacted with fellow countrymen, illustrated her role as an independent diplomatic entity. This symbolizes a shift beyond the role of a presidential spouse, marking her emergence as an independent diplomatic actor.

Strengthening Soft Power and the Diplomatic Symbolism of Hanbok

The hanbok is a cultural asset that symbolizes Korea's identity and beauty, transcending simple clothing. The way K-pop artists such as BTS and BLACKPINK modernize and reinterpret hanbok to connect with fans around the world already demonstrates the competitiveness of Korean culture. The hanbok diplomacy of First Lady Kim Hye-kyeong is a strategy that links this cultural trend and serves as a diplomatic strategy that connects tradition and modernity. The fact that foreign heads of state or first ladies voluntarily request commemorative photos and ask questions about hanbok shows that it has evoked cultural curiosity and respect beyond being just a visual impression.

First Lady Activities as a Strategic Diplomatic Platform

The appearance of Kim Hye-kyung shows that the role of the first lady can evolve from a simple companion to a strategic actor in cultural diplomacy. In the future, the activities of the first lady can expand in the following directions: - Visits to cultural centers and Korean language schools: Meeting with locals and expatriates to promote the current state of Korean culture and explore possibilities. - Meetings with women and youth leaders: Spreading awareness of Korea's democracy and gender sensitivity through alliances with future generations. - Hosting small cultural events: Experiencing Korean culture through traditional music, crafts, and food while sharing emotional connections. - Multi-lateral summit 'spin-off' diplomacy: Operating unique first lady programs at side events of summits such as G7, APEC, and ASEAN.

Tasks of Institutionalization and Evaluation by Citizens and Media

In order to make the First Lady's diplomatic activities a sustainable diplomatic tool, institutionalization is necessary. Key measures include the establishment of an 'Office of the First Lady for Diplomacy,' budget allocation, securing specialized personnel, and building a public-private cooperation system. Additionally, citizens and the media must continuously monitor whether the First Lady's activities bring substantial benefits to the country and are not distorted as tools of political influence. For cultural diplomacy to succeed, both the substance of the content and the transparency of the format are important.

Conclusion: A New Face of Diplomacy

The hanbok diplomacy of Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung is not merely an image strategy, but an event that presents a new possibility for Korean diplomacy. The quiet era of behind-the-scenes support has passed. Now, the first lady is emerging as the 'face of public diplomacy' based on culture, tradition, and identity, transforming into a strategic asset for strengthening the national brand. This is not just a change of role. It marks the beginning of a new leadership that leads diplomacy characterized by communication, empathy, culture, and dignity, which the times demand. The diplomacy of the Republic of Korea has now begun to speak with the voice of the first lady.