Photo: YONHAP/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (R), US President Joe Biden (L) and First Lady Jill Biden pose for a photo at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 25 April 2023 (issued 26 April 2023).

PresidentJoe Bidenand first lady Dr.Jill Bidenwelcomed South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee to the White House on Tuesday, engaging in a customary exchange of gifts ahead of Wednesday’s state dinner.

On Tuesday, both couples made a joint visit to the Korean War Memorial.

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty

US President Joe Biden and South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol lay a wreath at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC on April 25, 2023.

The White House notes that the hibiscus is the national flower of the Republic of Korea and the rose is the national flower of the United States, with the bouquet symbolizing the long-lasting diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea.

Gifts are set Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in the Blue Room of the White House.

In addition to the table, President Biden gifted President Yoon a shadow box set with custom and vintage baseball memorabilia, including a custom baseball cap with the presidential seal and vintage baseball trading cards.

Memorabilia included in the shadow box featured a vintage 1948 Satchel Paige trading card, a Phillies score card from 1960 (the year President Yoon was born), a 1960s Wilson Matty Alou A2970 leather baseball glove, and a 1997 Chan Ho Park trading card.

Gifts are set Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in the Blue Room of the White House.

On Wednesday night, the Kims will be féted at a state dinner rife with references to their culture.

Dr. Biden explained the décor of the event at a press preview earlier this week, saying the dinner will feature “painted animals representing both countries that greet our guests” as well as “colors in the table décor that mirrors the South Korean flag.”

“Guests will enjoy their meal beneath the boughs of cherry trees, a shared symbol of the renewal of spring,” she added.

Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty

US First Lady Jill Biden, from right, US President Joe Biden, Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s president, and Kim Keon Hee, first lady of South Korea, at the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Yoon stressed trust ahead of his high-stakes talks with Biden, whose administration is looking to align more with the long-time US ally on China and Russia.

The evening’s entertainment will include “something distinctly American,” Dr. Biden added: musicals. “Broadway stars will perform renditions of iconic songs, showcasing the craft and creativity of our country,” the first lady said.

The menu for the state dinner will feature a blend of American and Korean classics, beginning with a Maryland crab cake and also including braised short ribs.

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Asked her favorite course on the menu, Dr. Biden told reporters: “The first. It’s so American — the crab cake. But I love them all. Joe’s favorite will be the last.”

The last course, perhaps unsurprisingly, features ice cream.

This marks the second state visit for the Bidens, wholast year hostedFrench PresidentEmmanuel Macronand his wife, Brigitte Macron, at the White House.

source: people.com