First Lady Kim Hye Kyung attended the "2026 World Women's Day Commemorative Sookmyung International Forum" held on the afternoon of March 11 at Sookmyung Women's University, joining ambassadors accredited to Korea, women leaders from home and abroad, and members of the university community in celebrating the occasion. The forum was organized under the theme "120 Years of Women's Education: Global Solidarity Toward Equality and a Sustainable Future," and provided a platform for discussing the role of women's education in advancing global equality, sustainability, and inclusive digital transformation.

Prior to the main event, the First Lady participated in a private reception with Sookmyung Women's University President Moon Si-yeon, Sookmyung Cultural Foundation Chairwoman Cho Seon-hye, Yeon Je Pharmaceutical Chairman Jeong Sun-ok, Longchamp Korea CEO Park Sung-hee, Sookmyung student Lee Ji-woo, Philippine Ambassador to Korea Bernadette Fernandez, and Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto.

Discussions touched on women's education, leadership, and international exchange. First Lady Kim conveyed her appreciation to Philippine Ambassador Fernandez, asking her to pass along her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Lady of the Philippines for their warm hospitality during Korea's recent state visit to Manila.

When Sookmyung student Lee Ji-woo expressed that it was an honor to welcome her, First Lady Kim asked about her year of study and major, offering words of encouragement as a fellow alumna of the university.

Noting the apparent presence of many international students, the First Lady prompted President Moon to explain that the university had established a new Korean Wave International Studies Department to nurture talent capable of driving the global spread of Korean Wave content, with students now enrolled from Myanmar, Nepal, China, Italy, France, and other countries.

Longchamp Korea CEO Park Sung-hee remarked that every time she visits the company's headquarters in France she gained a clear sense of how dramatically the world's perception of Korea had changed. The First Lady echoed the sentiment, saying, "Every time I travel abroad on official visits, I feel the elevated standing Korea now enjoys," adding, "It makes me want to do even more to share Korea with the world." She further reflected that "the power of culture and the power of education are vital foundations for raising a nation's standing."

In her congratulatory remarks at the main ceremony, First Lady Kim said, "Each time World Women's Day comes around, I am reminded of the countless individuals who have dedicated themselves to protecting the rights and dignity of women." She noted that "this year's World Women's Day holds special significance as the first observed since the launch of the People's Sovereignty Government." She also welcomed the news that women who had gathered in the cold winter plazas to defend democracy had been awarded the "Women's Movement Award of the Year," saying, "Women's solidarity and participation are a powerful force that sustains society and builds a better tomorrow."

First Lady Kim emphasized that "continued investment in women's education and leadership, and the expansion of fair opportunities for the next generation, are more important than ever," and that "broadening the stage on which women can connect and collaborate across borders is also a vital mission of universities."

She pledged to "work together to ensure that the Republic of Korea advances as a truly substantive nation of gender equality in both name and practice."

Closing her remarks, the First Lady said, "Even at this very moment, there are women and children suffering amid war and violence," and expressed her fervent hope that "the day will come soon when their tears cease and they find their smiles again in a peaceful daily life."

As she departed the venue, First Lady Kim took time to personally respond to students' requests for photographs and exchanged warm greetings before concluding her schedule.

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Source: CWD Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong (translated by AI, edited by David Kendall)