SEOUL, South Korea — The huge civilian entourage Seoul sent to the latest inter-Korean summit includes the third-generation heir of South Korea’s largest…
SEOUL, South Korea — The huge civilian entourage Seoul sent to the latest inter-Korean summit includes the third-generation heir of South Korea’s largest business group and a Colorado-born pop diva nicknamed the “Korean Beyonce.”
President Moon Jae-in’s office said the 52-member “special” entourage will help promote civil exchanges and engagement with younger Koreans.
Some experts believe Moon is preparing for the resumption of inter-Korean economic cooperation projects after diplomacy eventually yields results. Currently, all major joint economic projects between the Koreas remain stalled because of U. S.-led sanctions.
While Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held official talks at the headquarters of the North’s ruling Workers’ Party on Tuesday, South Korean businessmen accompanying Moon met with Ri Ryong Nam, the vice-premier of North Korea’s cabinet. Some of the South Korean artists accompanied Kim’s wife, Ri Sol Ju, and Moon’s wife, Kim Jung-sook, on trips on their visit to a children’s hospital and a music university in Pyongyang.
The inclusion of billionaire Samsung scion Lee Jae-yong in Moon’s entourage has been controversial since Lee was convicted of crimes related to the massive corruption scandal involving former South Korean President Park Geun-hye.
