'Sangnoksoo' Resonates in the Heart of Brazilian Diplomacy... Lee Vows to Support Business Expansion with Economic Diplomacy

Lula and First Lady Host Cultural Performance and Reception at Itamaraty Palace
Korean and Brazilian Artists Collaborate on Stage
Presidential Couples Showcase Friendship with Hand Heart Gesture

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Jung-sook, who are on a state visit to Brazil, concluded their schedule in Brasilia on the 27th (local time) by attending a cultural performance and a welcome reception hosted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Rosângela da Silva. At the event, which featured performances by Korean and Brazilian artists, both Brazil's representative music and the Korean song "Sangnoksoo" were performed.

President Lee Jae-myung and his wife are taking a commemorative photo with President Lula and his wife at the welcome reception hosted by the Brazilian President and First Lady at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Palace in Brasilia on the 27th (local time). 2026.7.28 Yonhap News Agency

The event was held at the Itamaraty Palace, the headquarters of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kang Yoo-jung, the chief spokesperson for the Office of the President of Korea, explained that President Lula and First Lady Lula made the symbolic venue of Brazilian diplomacy available for the welcome ceremony in honor of President Lee and the First Lady.

Itamaraty Palace, designed by Oscar Niemeyer—an architect who represents modern Brazilian architecture—opened in 1970 as the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The interior was decorated with Brazilian materials and artworks by local artists to showcase Brazil's diplomatic identity and culture to foreign guests. The modern urban architecture and city planning of Brasilia, including Itamaraty Palace, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.

President Lula and First Lady Rosângela da Silva were waiting at the entrance even before President Lee and his wife arrived. After greeting each other with handshakes and friendly hugs, the two couples posed for a commemorative photo for the press.

When President Lula raised both thumbs, President Lee responded by raising one thumb as well. In front of the reception hall, the four held hands, gathered their hands together in the center, and even formed a hand heart. Following the official welcoming ceremony and joint press conference held at Alvorada Palace in the morning—where the two leaders linked arms and walked together multiple times—a warm, friendly atmosphere continued into the evening.

The reception lasted about one hour, beginning with musical performances followed by informal conversation. Performances included those by Paula Lima, a singer and songwriter from São Paulo, and Daniel Lee, a Korean opera singer active with the São Paulo City Theater Choir.

The two presented a stage filled with the essence of Brazilian music, including samba and bossa nova. Songs performed included the well-known "The Girl from Ipanema," "Waters of March"—a beloved Brazilian classic, "Come Down, Rain"—symbolizing abundance and new beginnings, and "My Umbrella"—which conveys the meaning of sharing an umbrella and walking together.

The highlight of the performance was Daniel Lee's rendition of the Korean song "Sangnoksoo." The Office of the President noted that the song, which speaks of perseverance and solidarity in the face of adversity, left a deep impression on attendees as it resonated from the stage where artists from both countries collaborated.

Thirteen Korean business leaders who have already entered the Brazilian market or are expanding their business locally were also invited to this event. Attendees included the chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, the chairs of POSCO and Korean Air, as well as presidents from Samsung Electronics, SK Biopharmaceuticals, Amorepacific, HD Construction Equipment, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

President Lee met with business leaders from both countries, emphasizing that the state visit should serve as an opportunity to expand the foundation for economic cooperation and create new investment and market entry opportunities. He also expressed his intention for the Korean government to actively support the expansion of Korean companies’ business in Brazil through economic diplomacy.

Previously, during the summit talks, the two heads of state agreed to establish a working group to resume negotiations for the Korea-Mercosur trade agreement, and to strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as critical minerals, defense, space, semiconductors, and energy. The evening reception served as an extension of the leaders’ agreement, expanding it into exchanges among business leaders and artists from both countries.

President Lula and First Lady Rosângela da Silva reiterated their desire to reciprocate the hospitality shown by the Korean government and people during their state visit to Korea in February. President Lula also stated at the joint press conference that he "wished to return at least 90% of the hospitality" he had received in Korea.

Earlier that day, President Lee and the First Lady began their official schedule in Brasilia with an official welcoming ceremony, followed by the summit, a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony, a joint press conference, and a state luncheon. They concluded their official schedule in Brasilia with the cultural performance and reception at Itamaraty Palace.

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