K-pop stars and Gangnam Style jokes: Inside the King’s grand state banquet
The King hosted a star-studded state banquet last night, making K-pop references as he hosted the Korean President at Buckingham Palace.
The banquet was held to mark the 140th anniversary of Korea’s diplomatic ties to the UK, and King Charles even joked that he hadn’t managed to develop ‘Gangnam Style’.
Charles said: ‘Sadly, when I was in Seoul all those years ago, I am not sure I developed much of what might be called the Gangnam Style!
‘Even at the time of my last visit, that journey was clearly just beginning. The Republic of Korea’s drive and energy continued apace, and with it, the impact on British lives.
‘From fridges and flatscreens to smartphones and semiconductors, it is clear that the model of industrial efficiency I glimpsed in Seoul thirty years ago has become the epitome of technological creativity today.’
The star-studded banquet hosted the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, and his wife Kim Keon, along with singers BLACKPINK, the Prime Minister, Lord David Cameron, and other members of the royal family.
Kate opted to wear the Queen Mother’s Strathmore Rose Tiara and diamonds, and Queen Camilla opted to wear the rarely-seen ruby and diamond Burmese tiara, belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles toasted the ‘artistic creativity’ of the country, which has taken the world by storm in the form of K-Pop and a number of hugely popular TV shows.
He added: ‘Korea has matched Danny Boyle with Bong Joon-ho, James Bond with Squid Game, and the Beatles’ Let It Be with BTS’s Dynamite.
‘Our cultures share a remarkable ability to captivate imaginations across the world, transforming a so-called soft power into a shared superpower.’
The environmentally savvy King Charles also praised Korea’s commitment to going green and applauded the members of BLACKPINK for spreading the message as Ambassadors for the U.K.’s Presidency of COP 26.
Charles also mentioned how his mother, who visited Korea in 1999, was amazed by the warmth and beauty of the country.
The Royal Family’s official social media accounts also shared a glimpse behind the scenes of the luxurious banquet.
A stunning video showed the creation of Hibiscus Syriacus flowers made of sugar, which were placed on top of petit fours for the guests on golden plates.
The menu, written in French, included poached eggs, pheasant, and a mango ice cream bombe.
Prior to the event, the Korean delegation was given a ceremonial welcome at the Horse Guard’s Parade and were given a carriage procession along the mall.
More than 1,000 soldiers were on parade, with gun salutes in the autumn leaves in Green Park.
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