Kim Hye-kyung becomes first presidential spouse to attend IKAA Gathering Korea

[Financial News] Kim Hye-kyung interacted with Korean adoptees on the 19th after becoming the first presidential spouse to attend the International Korean Adoptee Associations (IKAA) Gathering in Korea.
Ahn Gwi-ryeong, deputy spokesperson for the presidential office, said in a written briefing that day that Kim attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 IKAA Gathering Korea, held at COEX in Seoul.
Her attendance followed a request from a Korean adoptee, who asked Kim to attend the Korea gathering at a meeting with the Korean community in France last September.
The IKAA Gathering is held annually, rotating among Korea, Europe and the United States. This year marked the eighth gathering in Korea, with some 600 people, including adoptees and their families from 18 countries, in attendance.
In her congratulatory remarks, Kim said, "I imagine the Republic of Korea may mean something different to each of you. For some, it may be an unfamiliar country; for others, it may be a homeland they have long yearned for, or a place they have come to with many questions as they seek their roots and identity."
She went on to say, "Whatever feelings brought you here, I hope this will be a time to grow a little closer to your homeland and forge new, cherished connections."
She added, "I hope you will fully experience Korea's beautiful autumn scenery, its food and the warmth of its people during your stay."
At the event, Agnes Dalberg, a Norwegian adoptee living in Sweden, recited her own poem, "Music of Life," and Elizabeth Carelli, an adoptee from the United States, performed two songs she had composed. Kim recited poet Yun Dong-ju's "A New Road."
IKAA Chair Tommy Gencel expressed his gratitude for Kim's attendance. Kim said she would continue to pay close attention to Korean adoptees.
After the event, Kim greeted adoptees she had met at meetings with the Korean communities in France and Belgium, and posed for commemorative photos with attendees.
[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter