President Lee Jae-myung, on a state visit to Argentina, met Jorge Macri, the mayor of the capital, Buenos Aires, on the 31st (local time).
In a meeting held at a downtown hotel, Lee said, "More than 20,000 of our compatriots live in Buenos Aires, and I heard that you, Mayor, are offering consideration in various ways, including securing cultural performance venues," adding, "Thank you."
Mayor Macri replied, "I am pleased as well," adding, "Buenos Aires is a city defined by diversity, where each culture dynamically blends. I believe the Korean community, too, has actively integrated and become one."
Later that afternoon, Lee held a dinner meeting with the Korean community. Addressing them, Lee promised, "The popular sovereignty government will listen even more closely to the voices of compatriots living farthest away and be the first to lend a hand in times of difficulty," adding, "We will actively support the next generation so they can take pride in their roots as Koreans and grow into global citizens who pursue bigger dreams."
First lady Kim Hea-kyung, who is on an official visit to Argentina with President Lee Jae-myung, attended the concert "Arirang and tango - two hearts, one rhythm" at the Usina del Arte concert hall in Buenos Aires.
Kim said, "Tango holds the hearts of the Argentine people as they are, from longing for home and loneliness to the joy of love and the sorrow of parting," adding, "Arirang, too, has stayed by our people's side in times of joy and sorrow, offering hope."
The performance opened with the Buenos Aires tango orchestra Quinteto playing Piazzolla's "Buenos Aires 0 hora" and Bardí's "Gallo ciego."
Then the National Gugak Center Creative Orchestra responded with the Seodo folk song "Monggeumpo taryeong" and Lee Jun-ho's "Sinpuri." Finally, musicians from both countries performed Piazzolla's signature piece "Libertango" and the Korean folk song "Arirang" together, underscoring the meaning of exchange.
Deputy presidential spokesperson An Gwi-ryeong said in a written briefing that the concert was held to mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the "Korean Cultural Center in Argentina," founded in 2006 as the first of its kind in Latin America and a bridge between the two peoples.