‘Evergreen Tree’ Echoes in Brazil... Lee and First Lady Attend Welcome Reception Hosted by Lula

[Financial News, Seoul·São Paulo, Brazil = Seong Seok-woo, Choi Jong-geun]President Lee Jae-myung and the first lady, who are on a state visit to Brazil, attended a cultural performance and welcome reception hosted by President Lula and his wife on the 27th local time. The reception also featured a performance of the Korean song "Evergreen Tree," symbolizing friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
Kang Yoo-jung, senior presidential spokesperson at Cheong Wa Dae, said in a written briefing that Lula and his wife had arranged the Itamaraty Palace, Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, as the venue for the reception for the presidential couple. Itamaraty Palace is a landmark of modern Brazilian architecture and a symbol of Brazilian diplomacy. Designed by world-renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1987.
The reception lasted about an hour and included musical performances prepared by the Brazilian side, followed by informal conversations among attendees. Korean business leaders active in Brazil were also invited.
A total of 13 business leaders were invited, including the chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, the chairman of POSCO, the chairman of Korean Air, the president of Samsung Electronics, the president of SK Biopharmaceuticals, the president of HD Construction Equipment, the president of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the chairman of the Korea Importers Association, and the president of Amorepacific.
Lee told major business leaders from South Korea and Brazil that the government would actively support economic diplomacy so that the state visit could broaden the foundation for economic cooperation among Korean companies and create opportunities for entry into new markets and investment.
The welcome reception was filled with joint performances by artists from South Korea and Brazil. Paula Lima, a singer and songwriter from São Paulo, and Daniel Lee, who is active as both a soloist and member of the São Paulo Municipal Theater Choir, performed Brazilian music such as samba and bossa nova.
The program included Brazilian classics such as "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Waters of March," as well as "Let It Rain," which symbolizes abundance and new beginnings, and "My Umbrella," which conveys the meaning of walking together under one umbrella. In the middle of the performance, Daniel Lee sang the Korean song "Evergreen Tree" as a solo.
Lula and his wife said they wanted to repay the hospitality they received from the South Korean government and people during their visit to South Korea in February. They also expressed their welcome and gratitude to Lee, his wife, and the South Korean delegation.
Lee and the first lady concluded their schedule in Brasília with the cultural performance and reception.
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