First Lady Kim Hae Kyung joined delegates at the Korean Culture and Tourism Festival 2026 in Hanoi. This activity was part of the state visit of President Lee Jae Myung and the First Lady to Vietnam from 21-24/4.

The festival, co-organized by the Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam and the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam from 23 to 26/4, showcased the diverse attractions of Korean culture. Various South Korean government agencies participated in the event.

Appearing at the event, First Lady Kim Hae Kyung wore an elegant outfit. At times, she paused her remarks to wave to attendees with a bright smile.

First Lady Kim Hae Kyung stopped at the K-Content zone, organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency. This area displayed items and artifacts featured in the drama "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty" and the webtoon "Solo Leveling".

Kim Hae Kyung helped recreate gochujang butter bibimbap, a dish from "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty". Water spinach was added to the dish, symbolizing a culinary fusion between Vietnam and South Korea.

Kim Hae Kyung actively participated in the mixing of the dish.

The series "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty" is directed by Jang Tae Yoo, known for the hit drama "My Love from the Star". Adapted from a web novel by Park Guk Jae, the series is set to air in late 8/2025.

The drama tells the story of Yeon Ji Young (YoonA), a talented chef on the verge of becoming head chef at a three Michelin star restaurant. An unexpected twist occurs when she travels back in time to the Joseon dynasty and encounters Yi Heon (Lee Chae Min), a monarch with a keen sense of taste. To survive in the royal court, Ji Young must utilize her exceptional culinary skills.

In addition to bibimbap, the South Korean First Lady also made black sesame macarons, a snack that also appears in "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty".

The work conveys the message that food can soothe the human soul, and South Korean media has likened it to "Dae Jang Geum" for 2025. Korea Herald praised the series for bringing a fresh perspective to historical dramas. According to The Korean Times, the culinary element is a highlight of the film.

After completing the dishes, Kim Hae Kyung offered them to attendees for tasting. Many young people were excited to receive gochujang butter bibimbap and black sesame macarons directly from the First Lady.

During the event, First Lady Kim Hae Kyung also toured the K-Beauty and K-Heritage zones.

Park Eun Jung, chief representative of the Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam, expressed her hope that the festival would help Vietnamese people feel a closer connection to South Korea. According to Park Eun Jung: "Vietnam is a key market with a clear upward trend in tourist arrivals to South Korea. This is a crucial time to actively promote this trend through showcasing our culture and domestic content."

At the event, visitors cheered and waved to Kim Hae Kyung. Earlier on the morning of 23/4, the South Korean First Lady, along with Ngo Phuong Ly, the First Lady of General Secretary and President To Lam, visited the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. First Lady Kim Hae Kyung wore an ao dai, a gift from Ngo Phuong Ly.

Giang Huy - Phuong Linh