On March 2, Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam hosted a state dinner in honor of President Lee Jae Myung’s official visit to Singapore. President Tharman expressed warm camaraderie, noting the many similarities between Korea and Singapore such as men in both countries fulfill mandatory military service. He added that he was delighted BTS would be performing in Singapore in December after completing their service obligations.

President Tharman also noted that the people of the two nations are growing closer in everyday areas such as arts, culture, and sports, emphasizing that Singaporeans have a deep interest in K-pop and K-dramas.

He cited the drama When Life Gives You Tangerines—which President Lee Jae Myung has referenced on several occasions—as an example, saying that its portrayal of the dignity of ordinary lives across three generations has resonated with audiences in Singapore and around the world.

He further added that Singaporeans are fans of Black and White Chef, which showcases Korean culinary excellence, expressing his appreciation for Korean culture on multiple occasions throughout the evening.

President Tharman then proposed a toast, calling out "Wihayeo!"—Korean for "Cheers!"

In his reply, President Lee underscored how both Korea and Singapore have overcome having limited resources and geopolitical challenges. He credited the passion of their people and the creative spirit of their enterprises for their ability to grow into leading nations in their respective regions.

He added that he is confident Korea and Singapore can be trusted partners who achieve mutual benefits from the ongoing AI and digital transformations.

President Lee also noted that the venue for the dinner, the Capella Hotel, was the same location where Singapore facilitated the historic 2018 North Korea–U.S. summit, and called on Singapore to extend its full support in opening channels for inter-Korean dialogue and advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Throughout the dinner, background music reflected Singapore's thoughtful attention to detail: selections included Golden, the theme song from the globally acclaimed K-Pop Demon Hunters; At Andong Station, evoking President Lee's hometown of Andong; and Arirang, Korea's most beloved traditional folk song.

The dinner menu featured a carefully prepared fusion of Korean cuisine using Korean-sourced ingredients, including lobster soup paired with tteok (rice cake), samgyetang (chicken soup with ginseng), Jeju hanwoo beef steak, and a dessert served with a sauce made from fermented doenjang paste.

Meanwhile, President Lee wore a white shirt and red tie—the colors of the Singaporean flag—as a gesture of respect toward Singapore. First Lady Hea Kyung chose a green hanbok to symbolize Singapore’s identity as “the Garden City.” In so doing, she expressed her hope that the friendship between Korea and Singapore will continue to grow and flourish.

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Cheong Wa Dae press release translated by AI, edited by David Kendall