Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung Visits Seoul International Book Fair: "A Good Book Can Change Society"

Touring the Book Fair After the Opening Ceremony Speech

Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung visited the Seoul International Book Fair and remarked, "Books have been a source of comfort during difficult times and a guide that helped me regain my direction at crucial moments of choice." She added, "I firmly believe that a single good book can change a person's way of thinking and, furthermore, transform society."

Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung is purchasing a book after viewing the Seoul International Book Fair held on the 24th at COEX, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency White House Press Photographers Group

In her congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Book Fair held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on June 24, Mrs. Kim stated, "Books are a record of the questions, reflections, concerns, and hopes that humanity has posed to itself over many years."

Mrs. Kim emphasized, "These days, regardless of age, people tend to rely on answers provided by artificial intelligence (AI), so the subject of 'humans who ask questions' is a very timely topic. This is precisely why, even as times change and technology advances, the power of books remains unique."

This year's theme for the book fair is "The Human Declaration: Homo Duduri." It reflects on the existence and role of humans living in an era of coexistence with AI. Notably, this year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, and France has been selected as the guest of honor.

Mrs. Kim expressed, "I hope that the exchange of publishing cultures between the two countries will become even more active and serve as an opportunity for mutual growth."

Meanwhile, after delivering her congratulatory speech, Mrs. Kim toured the book fair. She visited the "Pyeongsan Bookstore" booth, where she purchased three books, including a work by former President Moon Jae-in, and also visited writer Yoo Si-min's section. In addition, she met with French novelist Bernard Werber and received a copy of his new book, "Waltz of the Souls."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.