K-pop stars Sandara Park, Ailee attend State Dinner in South Korea

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

K-pop stars Sandara Park of 2NE1 and Ailee attended the State Dinner hosted by South Korean President Park Geun-hye for Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Oct. 17 at the State Guest House of Cheong Wa Dae, or Blue House.

Sandara Park and Ailee at the State Dinner
(Video grab by Bulletin Entertainment from SBS and RTVM footages)

President Aquino held his State Visit to South Korea on Oct. 17 and 18, the first leader to pay a State Visit under President Park’s administration.

Sandara and Ailee were invited to the banquet attended by government officials and business leaders.

In her speech, President Park said Filipinos and Koreans share emotional experiences through Korean dramas, K-pop and Korean food.

She added that more than one million Koreans have visited the Philippines.

“Over one million Korean tourists traveled to the Philippines being enchanted not only by the beauties of your nature but also by the warmth of your people,” said President Park as quoted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

President Park also mentioned Filipino-Korean Assembly woman Jasmine Lee, who is the first naturalized Korean to be elected as proportional representative to Korea’s National Assembly last year.

“Korea and the Philippines now share a true partnership of mutual prosperity in all areas. The peoples of the two countries have become one and through our shared culture have developed heartfelt feelings for one another,” added President Park.

Ailee performed at the State Dinner, which also had cultural performances, according to Radio TV Malacañang.

Other performers were Ensemble Sinawi, Philippine soprano Rachelle Gerodias, NY Quartet and jazz saxophonist Alvin Cornista.

In his speech, President Aquino said President Park’s election is “historic.”

“Just as my mother was the first Filipina to lead my country, you hold the unique privilege of serving and leading your nation as its first female president. It is my hope that you will find the resilience and strength to guide your people towards a more vibrant future for Korea,” he said.

He added, “I would also like to thank the people of Korea for the welcome they have shown not only to myself, but also to almost fifty thousand Filipinos who live dignified and productive lives here in your country. Just as my countrymen have experienced your kindness and generosity, I am confident that your countrymen in the Philippines are experiencing the kind of hospitality and friendship that are characteristic of the Filipino nation.”

Link to my original article on Manila Bulletin online http://www.mb.com.ph/k-pop-stars-sandara-park-ailee-attend-state-dinner-in-south-korea/

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